James Edward Bell, 79, of Inman passed away on April 23, 2025.  He was the son of the late Haven Lee and Dora Faye Cabiness Bell and husband of Ruth Coates Bell.

He was a member of Walnut Hill Baptist Church and worked in Auto Body and Engine repair.  He served in the US Navy.

He is survived by his wife,  Ruth Coates Bell; a son Vince Bell (Tracie) and Julie Brown (Bryan); six grandchildren CJ Bell (McKensie), Nancy Mabry (Brandon), Thomas Bell, Andrew Bell, Ethan Brown and Elyssa Brown; three great grandchildren Daniel and Nora Bell and Bennett Mabry; three sisters Faye Worley (Bill), Ruth Rollins and Lillie Wolfe (Tom); two brother in laws Alvin Coates and Gene Reid.

He was predeceased by two brothers Leroy and Dean Bell.

The family will receive friends from 6:00-8:00pm Saturday, April 26 2025 at Petty Funeral Home.  A funeral service will be held at 3:00pm Sunday, April 27, 2025 at Walnut Hill Baptist Church conducted by Rev. Scott Lewellen   Burial will be in the church cemetery.

Memorials may be made to Spartanburg Regional Foundation, Attn: Cancer Special Needs Fund, PO Box 2624, Spartanburg, SC 29304. www.regionalfoundation.com.

The family would like to ask friends and family to drive their classic cars in his memory.