Jody "Jay" Robert Bell

Jody ‘Jay’ Robert Bell, 55, of Crestview, Florida, passed away on November 8th after a short battle with cancer. Jay was born on April 30, 1969 to Reno Bell & Nancy ‘Kim’ Gaghan in Lewiston, Maine. After Jay graduated from Messalonske High School in 1987, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force on March 29, 1988. In 2004, he earned an Associate of Science in Industrial Management Technology and Associate of Arts from Okaloosa-Walton Community College, and an Associate of Science in Avionic Systems Technology from the Community College of the Air Force. He also earned a Bachelor of Arts in English from University of Maryland University College in 2018.

Jay served his country for 26 years, including deployments during Operation Desert Storm. During his career he received many awards including the Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, and the Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon, to name a few.  However, the medals and rank are not what show the quality of Jay’s character as a leader.  Selfless service was the hallmark of his leadership style. Those who knew him would say the military award he was most proud of was his Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, which speaks volumes about his self-sacrificing nature, his devotion to those he served with, and his desire to leave everyone better than when he met them.

 During the latter part of his career, Jay began to commit himself fully to the practice of his Catholic faith. While assigned to Ramstein Air Force Base, Jay was instrumental to the Life Teen youth ministry program and the music ministry program, and was a proud member of the Knights of Columbus and the North American Lourdes Volunteers. Jay also became the beloved godfather of Ashley McNamee, Noah Grueser, and Garrett Grueser. 

Jay retired as a Senior Master Sergeant on March 31, 2014 and settled down in Crestview, FL, a short distance from Eglin Air Force Base to be closer to his mother. Following her death, Jay devoted his time to the love and support of his children and the completion of his Bachelor's Degree. He spent his retirement actively involved with the Holy Name of Jesus Catholic church in Niceville, FL, including lectoring, assisting with RCIA class, and participating in various Bible studies and prayer groups. Jay also enjoyed his free time singing and playing his guitar, playing and DMing Dungeons and Dragons, painting game miniatures and building terrain, and spending time with family and friends. He loved the company of good people, and was always ready for a board game, a nice visit, and a fresh cup of coffee.

Jay was preceded in death by his father Reno Bell, mother Nancy ‘Kim’ Gaghan, and grandparents Charles & Carol Gaghan, and Benoit & Alia Bell. He is survived by his daughter Katie Bell, son Nick Bell and wife Charlena, step-mother Therese ‘Flo’ Bell, step-brother Lance Baker and wife Vickie, half-sister Renee Brezovsky and husband Scott, many aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews. Services will be held at Honey Creek Woodlands Memorial Nature Preserve in Conyers, Georgia on November 16th at 3pm. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Catholic Relief Services, an organization Jay felt strongly about.

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