Robert Charles Bell

11/29/1957 - 12/22/2015

Greenville

Robbie was born in Greenville, SC, the third of five children of Charles Summers Bell and Johannah Elizabeth King Bell. His parents and his brother, Stephen Marion, predecease him.

Surviving are his brother Michael King (Debbie Halter) of Greenville, and their children, James David Sigmon (Lauren Strittmatter) of Greenville and Lauren Bradbury Smythe (Will) of Greenville. His brother, David Whitney (Jeanne Sterling) of Atlanta, and their children, James David and Lindsey Elizabeth of Denver, and Johannah Catherine of Atlanta. His sister, Elizabeth Anne (Chris White) of Freeport, Maine.

Robbie was a standout athlete at Greenville High School and was a graduate of the University of South Carolina and Georgia State University.

He began his creative career working as a project coordinator for John S. Frey Porcelain, fabricating panels for Atlanta's High Museum of Art. He held several creative positions, including Senior Art Director for DMB&B, Walker Studios, and later taught art in the Greenville County School District. Robbie donated much of his work to organizations including Camp Greenville, First Baptist Church and Surgeons for Sight. He designed, directed and created numerous logos, ad campaigns, websites and large scale exhibits to make a living, however, Robbie's real passion was the simple beauty of art in all its' forms.

Robbie dedicated countless afternoons attending to the needs of his aging parents. He was an avid photographer, often traveling and patiently waiting for the right shot. His wildflower garden was decorated with sculptures where birds and creatures could find comfort. His greatest joy came from painting scenes that reflected an important object for a loved one: a still life of a teacup, a cat, a baseball or a book. Robbie was a sincere friend and a man of great faith; he felt God's presence in every aspect of his life.

Graveside service Saturday, January 2, 2015 at 12 noon in Woodlawn Memorial Park followed by a Celebration of Life service at First Baptist Greenville at 2 pm. The family will greet friends one hour prior to the service at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the YMCA of Greenville (www.YMCAGreenville.org/give) or The Greenville Humane Society (www.GreenvilleHumane.com/donate). Condolences may be expressed at www.MackeyMortuary.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Greenville News on Dec. 31, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Robert Bell

26 Entries

Randy Cole

October 17, 2017

I am just now finding out this sad news. I am so sorry to hear about Robbie. We played Little League baseball together at Augusta Rd. Kiwanis, and later played against each other in high school sports. I last saw Robbie about 5 years ago just by chance as he stopped in a restaurant for lunch in Greenville and I happened to be there. We had some great times as kids. My and prayers are with you.

January 4, 2016

Robbie Bell, if the meek are to inherit the earth (not that Robbie was meek) ...he was beautifully understated, humble, filled with grace and fire when proper. His quest was one of substance; we were so honored he gave to us so generously, of his most precious and private time and limited energy.

RB's talents knew no bounds: photography, graphics, painting, style in simplicity, he loved books, ...there was poetry in everything he touched. Robbie's orchestration of seasonal flowers in tandem with nature, were as a living Monet. RB a true southern gentleman, generous to a fault, with a heart as big as the moon. Robbie generously gifted us graphic talents, photos and paintings, but most rare genuine friendship. His tireless commitment to take on with a few good men, the daunting task of our SC to MD relocation. Robbie said, "Brian will find a whole other level and renewal of life". He was So Right! Even post landing in the historical big city of Baltimore, home of the American Visionary Art Museum; RB would find and send instrumental and historical texts to us about our one true home!

Robbie Bell a consummate romantic, a diamond so few silly southern gals would ever see. Robbie is so instrumental in where we are today, "visionary & contemporary" we cannot imagine what our future may hold. We are so thankful our ships crossed paths and hope and pray his rudder may help continental to guide us. Brian & I have such an ambitious calendar the month of Jan. NYC (we are unable to make the trek south); Art Park Project will continue to sail on. We have created straight through since our great visits Oct. SC and we shared such great anticipation of being together again in Feb. Fearrington folk art show NC.

The heavens must surely be calling up the best & the brightest ...we most certainly need an army of angels in these troubling times.

Godspeed Robbie Bell
Our Brother in Love

Love Peace Live Art
Alison & Brian
& Sonnie cat baby

January 2, 2016

Robbie was a good friend and a Godly Man. Rest in peace my brother. RJ Newell

January 2, 2016

My Condolences. Robbie made his presence felt were ever he went.
Bud Slaker

Jane and George Kirkman

January 2, 2016

We would like to offer our condolences to Robbie's siblings (Mike, David and Liz.) We will always be thankful for and never forget his kindness and generosity when we lost our oldest son, Joshua. The beautifully framed photo of Joshua that Robbie gave us is displayed in the heart of our home.

January 2, 2016

My condolences. Robbie made his presence felt where he was. Bud Slaker

Terry Powell Gilliland

January 1, 2016

May Robbie live on in all of our memories.

Joe and Tina Hayes Ballew

January 1, 2016

Mike, David, and Liz, we are very sorry for your loss. Robbie had such amazing talent as well as a wonderful caring and attentiveness to your parents as they aged. How difficult to lose him and so soon after your dear father's death. Robbie will be missed by all who knew him. Our prayers continue for all of you.

January 1, 2016

IT IS A SAD DAY WE LOST A GREAT CLASSMATE AND FRIEND. rOBBIE WAS SPECIAL AND ALL THE BOYS WERE. i REMEMBER STEVE FROM SCHOOL. HE WILL BE MISSED. WE KNOW HE IS IN HEAVEN WITH STEVE AND HIS MOM AND DAD. RIP ROBBIE

Joe Nix

January 1, 2016

Sorry for your loss. I remember how Charlie was always so proud of Robbie and all his children and spoke so well of them all. May God bless the family in this time.

Dr. Karan Smith

December 31, 2015

My prayers are with his family and close friends. My family was blessed to know him during the more recent years. What a wonderful, gifted, bright, and kind man. He was always ever-present, seeing needs of others and meeting those needs. I loved that he was both a devout Christian and accepting of all of us earthly brothers and sisters, regardless. He showed extreme kindness to our whole family. He helped me grow in my relationship with Christ. We loved him and we will miss him terribly. God has called a great man home.

Joanne Kingsbury

December 31, 2015

My thoughts and prayers are with your family . Robbie was a very special man, kind , gentle and he truly touched my life. I will remember him every time I see a field of wildflowers, standing in the middle of the field with my young granddaughters.

Faye Edens

December 31, 2015

I remember Robbie from high school. I was a freshman and he was a senior. God bless each family that he left a legacy.

nancy williams

December 31, 2015

I am so very sorry for your loss...or I should say all of ours loss. He was such a good person. He will be missed. Prayers of comfort for your family.

Beth Dragon

December 31, 2015

Robbie was a beautiful, loving and compassionate soul. May you find comfort in knowing that he was loved by so many. Death feels harsh and so unfair, yet it is but another beginning for our loved ones.

Doug Williams

December 31, 2015

Mike,

Beck and I are sorry for your loss. We will keep you and your family in our thoughts and prayers.

Steve Coogler and Family

December 31, 2015

So sorry Mike, David and Liz to hear the sad news about Robbie. He is good soul and will be missed by all of us who knew him. Thank God that those as good as Robbie are blessed to endure for eternity.

Dr. Donna Durnford

December 31, 2015

Crossing the Bar

Sunset and evening star,
And one clear call for me!
And may there be no moaning of the bar,
When I put out to sea,

But such a tide as moving seems asleep,
Too full for sound and foam,
When that which drew from out the boundless deep
Turns again home.

Twilight and evening bell,
And after that the dark!
And may there be no sadness of farewell,
When I embark;

For tho' from out our bourne of Time and Place
The flood may bear me far,
I hope to see my Pilot face to face
When I have crost the bar.

By Alfred, Lord Tennyson
The Poetry Foundation

Judy Merrick

December 30, 2015

So sorry for your loss Liz. Robbie sounds like he was a very special person and a very loved brother.

Jimmy Georgiades

December 30, 2015

May his memory be eternal.

Linda Frasher

December 30, 2015

My heart is very saddened by the passing of such a special person. Robbie was part of our family in the early years. Please know that the Frashers love all of the Bells and our thoughts and prayers are with each of you at this very difficult time. You will be with him again. Much love to all of you

Pepper Watkins

December 30, 2015

May God wrap his loving arms around Robbie's family in this time of sadness. He will be missed.

Pepper Watkins (Taylors, SC)

Lynn McGarity

December 30, 2015

I have not seen Robbie in many years, but hearing of his passing has made my heart despair. We were friends in high school and took great delight in picking on each other mercilessly. As our Lord embraces Robbie into eternal grace, may He also provide comfort to the family and Robbie's many friends.

Tina Milsap

December 30, 2015

My thoughts and prayers to the Bell family. Robbie was such a gifted artist and friend to many. He will be missed but his legacy of his care for his Mom and Dad and his kindness to others will be long remembered.

Diana Clark

December 30, 2015

Please accept my condolences for the loss of Robbie (Robert). His creativity will be greatly missed. May memories of him bring comfort to his family and close friends along with the promise at John 11: 24, 25.

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