Roll Call Tribute

Michael Lee Bell

March 1, 1951 - June 3, 2022

Michael Lee Bell passed away on June 3, 2022, surrounded by loved ones. Mike was born on March 1, 1951, in Dallas, TX to Carroll and Lois Richards Bell. He graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School in Dallas, Texas in 1969.

Mike attended Texas A&M University and was a member of the Fightin' Texas Aggie class of 1973. He graduated with a degree in Wildlife Fisheries, and was a member of the Corp of Cadets, Squadron 6, during his time at A&M. Following graduation, Mike was commissioned into the U.S. Air Force, where he began his pilot training. After his years of service, Mike began his career as a commercial airline pilot. His career started at Northwest Airlines, followed by 30 plus years at Southwest Airlines, before retiring on March 1, 2016. While flying for Southwest Airlines, he met the love of his life, Gamble, and married on January 30, 1988. Mike was an avid outdoorsman. From working in his beautiful yard to hunting the plains of Africa, he loved to be outdoors. He had a passion for soaking up the Colorado air and hiking the Rocky Mountains, but his greatest joy was his family.

Often referred to as the "energizer bunny," Mike enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren supporting them, cheering them on and guiding them through life's biggest challenges, all while gleaming with pride. Mike was a husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend who led by example. His strong Christian faith and servant's heart was known by all who knew him, as his faith, and family were what he lived for. Proceeded in death by his parents, Mike is survived by his wife Gamble Carter Bell, children Cody Lee Bell (Jenny), Brady Edward Bell (Lacy), Cassie Bell Mahoney (Casey), grandchildren Tanner Michael Bell, Bradyn James Bell, Lyla-Kate Bell, Brynn-Leigh Bell, one brother Ronald Warren Bell (Susi), Sister-in-law Vanessa Carter Wolfe (Jack) and nephews Preston (Camille) and Carter. Celebration of life will be on June 7, 2022, at 2:00 pm, Hillside Fellowship Church 7055 US 281 Spring Branch, TX 78070.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be sent to the Texas A&M Foundation, 401 George Bush Drive, College Station, Texas, 77840. Please designate gifts to the Michael Lee Bell '73 Fightin' Texas Aggie Sul Ross Scholarship.
Online gifts may be made at http://www.give.am/GeneralMemorial: designate Michael Lee Bell '73 as memorial tribute.