Edward J. Bell III
Intellectual, rider of roller coasters, avid reader, poet, artist, shirtless jogger and conversationalist. Beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend to all, Edward Bell (Ed to some, Papa to most) passed peacefully early Thanksgiving morning, November 26, 2020. An attorney and Air Force Veteran (Ret. Colonel), Graduate of Harvard (English), Michigan (Engineering), Berkeley (Math),and William & Mary (Law). Ed was a true renaissance man who entertained you with his knowledge on all manner of topics, always with humility and humor.
As Commander of the Air Force Data Systems Design Center and Deputy Commander of the Air Force Communications, he provided program management for Air Force computer services centers throughout the country. Although he rarely spoke of the many honors he received for this work, he was awarded the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star and Air Force Commendation Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters.After graduating from law school Ed was an attorney in private practice in Williamsburg, Virginia, and served as guardian ad litem for the Williamsburg/James City County General District Court. As an adjunct professor Ed taught Legal Skills at Marshall-Wythe School of Law at the College of William and Mary for over 10 years. After moving to Winchester in 2006, he continued to serve as guardian ad litem for the Frederick/Winchester Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court.
His outlook on life is best described by his favorite sage, Winnie-the-Pooh, who once said, “A little consideration, a little thought for others, makes all the difference.”
Ed is predeceased by his beloved wife of 50 years, Meredith, and is survived by four children, Alison Dresser, Emily Spitz, Ed Bell, Jen Watts, and eleven grandchildren.