Leo Bryan Bell, 51, transitioned from life to eternal rest on Sunday, May 10, 2020 in Virginia Beach, Virginia after a long battle with achalasia. Leo was born on July 10, 1968 in Cape Charles, Virginia to Kathleen Bell and Jaspery Jones, Sr. Leo was raised by Kathleen and his dad, Russell Rainey, Jr. He is preceded in death by his grandchildren, Zola Lynn Guzman, Cooper Lee Fox; his grandparents, Richard Bell, Sr., Russell Rainey, Sr., Vivian Wilson; his uncles, Donnie Rainey, Sr., Stanley Bell, Sr., Lonnie Jones; and his aunts, Florence Rainey, Tami Rainey, Delores Basnight.
Leo grew up in Virginia Beach where he learned to hunt and fish with his dad, Russell, and his cousin, Tom James. Leo carried his passion for hunting and fishing throughout his life. Leo attended First Colonial High School where he played football. He furthered his education at the University of Maryland where he received an Associate’s Degree in Business Administration and Management. He is a United States Army Veteran who traveled the world during and after his military service including being stationed in Greece, Germany, Alaska and Puerto Rico. Leo achieved the rank of Specialist E4 and was awarded an Army Medal of Achievement and a National Defense Service Medal for his service during the Persian Gulf War. Most people who have been to the gun range with Leo won’t be surprised to know he also has an M16 expert badge. After his military service, Leo held several positions including working with computers in Alaska and as a Security Officer in Puerto Rico.
Leo loved to cook. He started cooking for soldiers after completing basic training at Fort Leonard Wood and later cooked for soldiers at various military bases, including at Fort Bragg. After discovering he loved to cook, Leo enrolled in culinary school. After his retirement from the Army, Leo prepared meals for the airmen on weekends while living near the Air Force base in Puerto Rico. He especially loved living in Alaska; where he could hunt and fish as often as he liked. He would regularly ship fish and meat from Alaska with dry ice to family. Leo eventually relocated back to Virginia Beach; where he resided until his death. Leo loved his family and was always excited to see his family at functions; attending even when his health was declining. As many of us know, Leo maintained his passion for cooking and shared some of his amazing dishes with family and friends. He constantly made each of us feel loved. Leo will truly be missed by all who were blessed to know him.
He is survived by his wife, Tarra Peller-Bell; children, Tyson Bell (Brittany), Aubree Fox (Andy), Brittanny Bell, Richard Bell, Tai’Juon Pride, Rayna Peller, and Alexander Palmer; grandchildren, Tatum Bell, Bailey Bell, Ezekiel Bell, Jaxon Fox, Lexington Fox, Violet Rowley, Sydney Fulton, Kamora Palmer, Kelis Palmer, and Kavion Palmer; parents, Kathleen Bell-Irving (Mack) and Russell Rainey, Jr. (Beverly); father, Jaspery Jones, Sr. (Gloria); in-laws, Gloria Williams (Ivan), and James Peller, Jr.; maternal grandmother, Kathleen Bell; sisters, Rhonda Bell and Katrina Rainey-Tate (Reginald); brothers, Jaspery Jones, Jr., Christopher Jones; aunts, Shirley Bell-Northan (William), Wanda Bell, Sandra Bell, Yolanda Bell, Cheryl Rainey, Laure Btembke, Heike Bell, Martha Lewis (William), Gracie Hines; uncles, Richard Bell, Jr., Willie Bell (Marsha), Ghakarhi Btembke, Robert Rainey, Sr., Clarence Rainey, Frank Jones, Edward Jones; nieces, Ashley Bell, Keonia Jones; nephews, Jeffrey Bell, Desmond Bell; and a host of cousins and friends.
Achalasia Awareness Month is September https://achalasiaawareness.org/what-is-achalasia-%3F