of Conway, AR

July 16, 1954 - May 2, 2024

Michael ''Sandy'' Bell, 69, of Conway passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 2, 2024. He was preceded in death by his parents, Cecil M and Bertha Bell and his brothers, Jerry Donald Bell and Jimmy Ray Bell.

Sandy (as he was known in Conway) graduated from Conway High School in 1972 where he was a football Wampus Cat, senior class president and was honored by being named Mr. Conway High School. He graduated from Hendrix College in 1976 and went on to obtain a master's degree in biology from Memphis State University in 1984, this is also where he met his wife Cindy, in the Biology department.

After graduation, he married and began a teaching career in Texas at Clark High School and later at the Collin County Community College. Michael and Cindy scuba dived and Michael was an underwater photographer. Michael taught marine biology classes where he was instrumental in incorporating scuba diving and traveling to the Caribbean and Central America. In 2002 he returned to Arkansas as a biology professor at Hendrix College.

Since retirement, Michael could be seen often at the front desk at Jenifer's Antiques, a place that was dear to him. He also loved camping, hiking and anything outdoors. Michael also loved woodworking and hunting for antiques.

Michael was a daily part of his son, Chris and his daughter-in-law's, Anna's life and his three grandchildren who knew him as ''PapPaw''. So many good things can be said about Michael. He loved his friends and family with his whole heart. He was always reaching out to help others. He had a calm and gentle manner that made anyone he met feel comfortable and at ease. The funny stories and fond memories that could be shared between him, his cousins and friends could fill volumes. But as one friend said, he was a friendly, loyal, funny and dependable person, but the golden thread of his life was his kindness. He will be missed.

Michael ''Sandy'' is survived by his loving wife of 39 years, Cindy Bell; their son, Christopher Bell (and Anna Claire) of Conway; three grandchildren, Heidi, Rosemary and Thatcher Bell; his brother, John Keller Bell (Jerry Phillips) of Little Rock and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins and loving friends.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, May 8 at 1:00 pm at Roller McNutt Funeral Home in Conway with a Funeral service following at 2:00 pm. Burial will follow in Bell Cemetery in Conway. Serving as pallbearers will be Jack Bell, Steve Bell, Randy Bell, Scotty Bell, Philip Bell, David Bell, Bruce Bell, Matthew Bell and Jeremy Bell.
Memorials may be made to Bethlehem House, Inc or Haven Conway.

Obituary Provided By:
Roller-McNutt Funeral Home
650 Central Landing Blvd.
Conway, AR  72032
www.rollerfuneralhomes.com