Richard Wayne Bell

Richard Wayne Bell was born August 11, 1946 in Lufkin, Texas to Wiley and Marie Bell. He was the second of four sons. In early life, he lived in Lufkin, Rosenburg, Pasadena and other places in East and Southeast Texas.  He settled back in Lufkin and met his wife Joanie on Timberland Drive, the local cruise spot at the time. They were married in August 1974 and moved back near Houston where he worked in the construction trade with Oil and Gas, eventually becoming a crane operator for almost 40 years. Wayne enjoyed playing highly competitive softball and baseball, even trying out for the Astros at one time.

In June 1978, their first son Wayne Lindsey was born, and they moved back to Lufkin to be closer to Joanie’s family to live in Fuller Springs, Texas.  Just 17 months later in November 1979, their second son Richard Craig was born. They lived near Joanie’s parents until December 1993, where they settled in Bald Hill, Texas outside of Lufkin.

After Joanie’s career became established, and the kids got older, he became an independent crane operator and was nationally certified. He traveled all over North America and the U.S. Virgin Islands, building everything from refineries and paper mills to windmills. He contributed to the expansions of the largest refineries in North America in Port Arthur, Texas and Mont Belvieu, Texas. He loved going to the beach with Joanie and their camper in tow. Wayne also enjoyed sports, especially his Astros, Oilers, and Texans, and was an avid fisherman. He had his favorite Crappie spots memorized on Lake Rayburn. Mostly he was a fierce family man and adored being with them. God blessed him with two loving sons and then, somewhat ironically, three granddaughters who he teased relentlessly. These tough girls would always give it right back to him. There are many names for “Buster” as he was known, and he always referred to those he loved with some sort of nickname.

Wayne was preceded in death by his parents, Wiley Washington Bell and Marie Jeanette Wright Bell, and youngest brother Mark Kevin Bell.

He is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Joan Dickerson Bell, brother and sister-in-law, James Neal and Amy Bell; brother, Gary Bell, son, Wayne Lindsey Bell; son and daughter-in-law, Richard Craig and Casey Fain Bell; granddaughters, Payton Ezrah Bell, Kayleigh Grace Bell, and Kendra Faith Bell; Joanie’s brother and sister-in-law, Rex and Bobbe Dickerson; along with numerous other aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews, both by marriage and direct kin, and a host of friends.

There will be memorial service announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please leave memories and condolences at www.carrowayfuneralhome.com.

Carroway Funeral Home, Lufkin, directors.