Iving "Junior" Bell

Iving “Junior” Bell, age 87, of Rockwell, North Carolina, passed away on Sunday, July 19, 2026, surrounded by his family.

Junior was born on December 5, 1938, in Blue Ridge, Georgia, to the late Lawrence and Laura Foster Bell. He was a proud longtime resident of the Black Oak area of Gary, Indiana, before later making his home in Rockwell, North Carolina.

In the late 1950s, Junior worked at Junior Toy Company in Hammond, Indiana, where he helped make tricycles. He later worked second shift as a welder at Donovan’s Welding Shop in Hazel Crest, Illinois. Junior spent 39 years at Thrall Car Manufacturing in Chicago Heights, Illinois, retiring in 2001 as a master burner. He ranked second in seniority among approximately 1,000 employees, operated an eight-burner torch, and trained many employees throughout his career.

Over the years, Junior also worked various side jobs involving plumbing, roofing, and collecting and sorting scrap metal. He never hesitated to roll up his sleeves and take on even the most grueling task, and he did so without complaint. One of his proudest accomplishments was the life he built through hard work and the way he poured his heart into providing for his family, often working as many jobs as a day would allow.

Junior was a humble man known for his strong work ethic, quiet strength, and unconditional love. He enjoyed hosting large gatherings at his home in Black Oak, where family and friends came together for bonfires, horseshoes, conversation, love, laughter, and good times. He also enjoyed tending his garden, watching westerns on television, collecting and sorting scrap metal, and spending time with the people he loved most.

Junior often reminded his family that “a little hard work never killed anyone” and encouraged them to “keep your nose clean,” his way of telling them to stay out of trouble and live the right way.

Junior was preceded in death by his wives, Betty Jean Bell and Mary Ellen Bell; his children, Wade Bell, Anita Hall, and Brandy Bridegroom; his grandson, Christopher Stephen; his granddaughter, Sherry Schmidt; his sister, Judy Bell; and his brothers, Carvin “Bill” Bell, Marvin Bell, and Orlin Bell.

He is survived by his six children, Rita Mason and her husband, John, of Crown Point, Indiana; Reba Crum and her husband, Rick, of the Black Oak area of Gary, Indiana; Craig Bell and his wife, Connie, of Griffith, Indiana; Phil Bridegroom and his wife, Cori, of Portage, Indiana; Renee Johnson and her husband, Billy, of Rockwell, North Carolina; and Brandon Bell of the Black Oak area of Gary, Indiana.

He is also survived by his brother, Harley Bell of Blue Ridge, Georgia, along with a combined total of 87 grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. His large and loving family is a lasting reflection of the life and legacy he leaves behind.

Junior’s family will remember him most for his hard work, unconditional love, humble spirit, and the countless memories he created. His strength, hard work, and love will remain with his family for generations to come.

Visitation will be held on Friday, July 24, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Hillside Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 8941 Kleinman Road (one block south of Ridge Rd), Highland, Indiana 46322.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 25, 2026, at Hillside Funeral Home & Cremation Center with Pastor Brandon Rukes officiating. Junior’s grandson, John Smith, will begin the eulogy. Burial will follow at Ridge Lawn Cemetery, 4401 West Ridge Road, Gary, Indiana 46408.

Pallbearers will be his grandsons Brian Bell, Steven Davis, Caleb Stage, and Tim Contreras; his great-grandson, Chris Stephen Jr.; and his grandson-in-law, John Bridegroom.

The family is grateful for the love and support shown during this difficult time. In lieu of flowers, those who wish to help with Junior’s memorial and final expenses may make a contribution to his daughter and son-in-law, Renee and Billy Johnson.

For additional information, please contact Hillside Funeral Home & Cremation Center Konnie Kuiper - Michael Kuiper-Vass by calling us at 219-838-0800 or visiting us at www.hillsidefhcares.com

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