AJ BELL

Keithville, LA - A.J. Bell joined his many friends and family in Heaven on August 30, 2016. He was born February 18, 1926 to Clyde and Susie Bell in Atlas, Texas. He was one of four brothers and an infant sister all of whom preceded him in death. He is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Margaret Bell, a daughter Helen Sikes and husband Ron Sikes. He is survived by grandchildren Anna Mason, Reed Sikes, Shelli Briggs and Lonnie Ligon, and Greg and Mia Sikes. His great-grandchildren include Kyle and Katie Briggs, Tommy and Samantha Sikes and Mitch and Madeline Wilson. He is also survived by a host of nieces and nephews on the Goodwyn side of Margaret's family. By trade, A.J. was a well-known mechanic for over sixty years. During his long-career he was a partner in Southland Park Garage, retiring as the Garage Supervisor at United Gas Pipeline. He was truly gifted in that he could fix, build or repair anything. He enjoyed many hobbies during his life. Playing golf and watching baseball were two of his passions. For many years, he played golf on Saturday morning with his faithful group at Meadowlake Golf Club. He also enjoyed watching football, golf and NASCAR races. A.J. was a charter member of Sunset Masonic Lodge #438 F. & A.M. having served 62 years. He was particularly proud of the lodge's new building on Bert Kouns where he was instrumental in its construction. He was Master of the Lodge in 1998 and was Chaplain for several years. He and Margaret were active in the Sunset Eastern Star #227. He served as Past Worthy Patron and Chaplain and was also a member of the Knights Templar. He was a member of Community Bible Church for 48 years and a member of Emmanuel Baptist Church for the most recent three years. A.J. served as a Deacon at Community for over 35 years. PawPaw always enjoyed a good meal surrounded by family and friends. His greatest joy was to be with his grandchildren and extended family at every opportunity. He will be remembered for his quick wit, kindness to everyone and dearly missed by all who knew him. Honoring A.J. as pallbearers will be Mark Adams, Craig Brown, Danny Jones, David Copp, and grandsons Reed Sikes and Greg Sikes. The funeral service will be officiated by Dr. Chad Hardbarger, Pastor of Emmanuel Baptist Church, Bro. Donnie Bradley, Pastor at Mansfield Road Baptist Church and Associate Pastor Emeritus of Emmanuel Baptist Church, Bro. Harry Forester Visitation will be held from 5:00-7:00 at Rose-Neath Southside on Friday, September 2 with funeral following at 11 am Saturday, September 3. Interment will follow at Centuries Memorial Park. The family asks that memorials be made to Sunset Lodge #438 or Emmanuel Baptist Church.