Troy Buddy Bell

Troy Buddy Bell, 66 of the Thomas School community of Pearl River county, passed away early Friday morning at his home. He was born March 25, 1955 in Alabama, one of six children and son of Coy Edgar Bell and Opal Jean (Williams) Saucier. Buddy grew up in Alabama before coming to South Mississippi, and drove log trucks early in his career. Buddy went into law enforcement and spent twenty-six years serving the community. In that time, he worked with both the Stone County Sheriff's and Wiggins Police Departments as a deputy and police officer, investigator, and Chief of Police. If that weren't enough, he was also a gifted carpenter as well. In his spare time, Buddy enjoyed going to auctions, fishing and bass tournaments, race cars and more. He loved working with children, coaching girls softball and mentoring kids at the children's home in Wiggins for many years. Buddy had a loving, gentle spirit to go with his soft heart, and would help anyone in need. He was a Christian by faith, and though he was baptized originally when he was eight years old, he was baptized again with his wife Donna. A loving brother, husband, and trusted friend to many, he will be sadly missed by all whose life he touched. Buddy was preceded by his parents, Ed Bell and Opal Saucier, his brother Coy Bell, his nieces, Charity Armstrong and Chrissy Bell, an infant nephew, Lee, and nephews Jamie Ladner and West Overstreet. Left to cherish his memories are: his loving wife of over twenty years, Donna; their children: Robert (Crystal) Freeman of Gulfport, Eric (Anastasia) Freeman of Tumwater, WA, and Nicholas (Ariel) Freeman of Wiggins; his sisters Diane (Paul) Overstreet of McHenry and Linda (Greg) Diamond of Saucier, with brothers Jimmy (Robin) Bell of McHenry and Tommy (Tracey) Bell of Saucier. Buddy leaves a legacy of thirteen grandchildren: Everleigh, Elizabeth, Ethan, Cayd, and Jessie Freeman, Liam and Connor Roberson, Kamren and Liliana Williams, Monique Schlottman, and Brandy Andrews, with one great-grand, Miracle Osby, along with a host of nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. Services are set for Monday, March 21st at Hickory Creek Baptist Church in Lumberton. Visitation will begin at 10:00 AM, followed by the funeral service at 11:00 AM, with Pastor Allan Hartfield officiating. Afterward, Buddy will be laid to rest in the Williams-Bond Cemetery in McHenry. Trinity Funeral Services is honored to serve the Bell family in their time of need, and asks everyone to keep them in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.