The Legendary Life of Bill Bell,

William James Bell—known simply to the world as Dad, Coach, or Bill Bell—officially traded in his earthly worries for a motorcycle ride into the sunset on July 14, 2026.

Born in Pennsylvania on July 6,1949, Bill was a man who couldn't be contained by borders. He lived, loved, and traveled all over the globe, collecting stories and friends from Japan, Guam, and Hawaii to Texas and California. Eventually, the ocean called him home to Jacksonville. A true beach rat, he graduated from Fletcher High School and spent his life raising a beautiful family across the sands of Atlantic Beach and Jax Beach.

If there was a party, Bill was the life of it. If there was a deal to be found, Bill was tracking it down—he was a profound lover of all things discount. He was a man of simple, but deep passions: his family, animals, the ocean, gardening, fishing, motorcycles, music, soccer, football and his wide array pets.

Bill possessed a rare, beautiful magic; he never forgot a face, and he had a unique way of making every single person he met feel like the most important person in the room. His optimism was his superpower.

The past few years brought a brutal battle. There are truly no words to describe the immense pain he endured, but to absolutely no one's surprise, Bill fought through it all with his optimism intact, more concerned with needing emery boards to keep his nails trim (IYKYK). On July 14th, he was finally released from that pain.

Bill has officially been reunited with his parents William and Valerie, his sister Sandra (Sandy), his niece Dannielle, and his beloved granddaughter Anna-Marie. We are entirely certain that right now he is taking her fishing, playing soccer in the sky, and scouting out the best discount spots while he waits for the rest of us to join the party.

He leaves behind a living legacy of love: His Children: Tom, Andrew (Kristy), Heather (Daniel), Alicia (Lukas), and surprise, right before the final whistle he, and our family, were delighted to be united with his daughter Angie.

His Grandchildren: Katlynn, Jalynn (JJ), Andrew (Lil Drew), Avery, Riley, Wesley, Christian, and Kelsi.

His niece Shelley, nephews Vincent and Josh, great nieces Jade, Asia, Summer and Great Nephew AJ.

His Loyal Companions: his dog, Kota and his cat, Rambo.

We love you, Coach.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, July 25th, 2026, at 11:00 am at East Pointe Church, 270 N. Kernan Blvd, Jacksonville FL, 32246. Reception will follow. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to St Johns Riverkeeper.