On April 24, 2017, our Heavenly Father cast His eternal light on Samuel A. Bell, Sr., 77, of Youngstown, and beckoned him to come home.

Mr. Bell, affectionately known as “Sammie” was born January 22, 1940 in Youngstown, a son of Thomas and Beatrice Hunley Bell.  He graduated from East High School and from the Corporation Apprentice program as a brick layer.  As a young man, Samuel worked at Nickles Bakery for many years, and worked at the U. S. Steel Corporation in both Youngstown and Lorain Ohio plants for over 30 years, retiring in 2002.

He boxed for the Golden Gloves at Tom Carney’s Gym, and was inducted into the Ebony Sports Hall of Fame in 2007.  He was an avid Cleveland Browns fan who enjoyed watching the games and boxing on TV.  He was also on the Murdock Street Reunion committee.

Samuel leaves to cherish his loving memories his sons, Samuel Jr. and Samuel III aka “Sam Sam” and his wife, Shawntae both of Youngstown, and Melvin of Wisconsin; daughters, Rochelle “Rae-Rae” Roberts and her husband, Gregory, of Cleveland and Sonya Bibbs of Columbus; two stepdaughters, Catherine Shaw of Georgia and Josie Groom of Youngstown; 18 grandchildren; 16 great grandchildren; a sister, Mary Ellen “Mae” Jackson of New Jersey; his companion, ex-wife and caregiver, Elder Betty Bell of Youngstown; and a host of nieces, nephews, other family and friends..

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Chico Hightower; a sister; and nine brothers, including Bobby Bell who boxed professionally.

Friends may call Saturday, May 6, 2017 at 9:00 a.m. at the Triedstone Missionary Baptist Church, 2045 Jacobs Rd.,Youngstown.  The funeral will begin immediately at 10:00 a.m. at the church.  Arrangements entrusted to the L. E. Black, Phillips & Holden Funeral Home.