Robert C. “Bob” Bell, CMSgt USAF (Ret), 86, of Valdosta, died on Friday, April 10, 2026, at his residence. Born in Monticello, NY to the late Jim & Mary Bell, he grew up and attended school there and joined the US Air Force shortly after high school. During his Air Force career, Bob and his family were stationed at bases all over the world. He served three tours in Vietnam and retired at Moody Air Force Base in 1980 as a Chief Master Sargent. He soon started work in Plant Operations at VSU and advanced quickly there as well and was soon Director of Plant Operations. He retired from VSU with over 20 years of lasting accomplishments in 2010. Bob was known for his integrity, ingenuity and for his excellent work ethic. In the community, Bob was active in the Elks Lodge, having served twice as Exalted Ruler, was active in the Knights of Columbus and at his church, St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church. His favorite pastime was bowling, and he was the first person in Valdosta to bowl an 800 series.

Survivors include his wife, Ingrid Bell of Valdosta; his four children, Angela (& Joshua) Tejan of Winter Haven, FL, Tommy (& Karina Cano) Carpenter of Los Angeles, CA, Patty Barker of Castle Rock, CO and Tony Bell (& Kelli) of Tifton; ten grandchildren, Sydney Ackman, Michael (& Alexus) Ackman, Grace (& Marcus) Quintell, Christina (& Clint) Williamson, Ben Carpenter, Maddie Carpenter, Amber Cano Carpenter, Hannah Barker, Kellie (& Scott) Schaefer and Hunter Barker; and five great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his first wife, Delores Dickerson Bell and several siblings.

A funeral Mass will be held for Mr. Bell at 1 pm on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church. Burial will follow at Sunset Hill Cemetery. The family will receive friends at St. John from noon until service time on Tuesday. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Humane Society of Valdosta, at www.humanesocietyofvaldosta.org. Condolences may be conveyed to the family on the obituary page of www.mclanecares.com Carson McLane Funeral Home