Andrew John Bell

Andrew John Bell was born near Leeds in England on March 19, 1967. He was the second child of William Bell and Mary Wilson. His parents, proud Scots, had migrated South so that his father could pursue a career as a football player and manager. As a consequence Andrew and his siblings lived itinerant lives during their formative years.

When Andrew was only a year old, the family moved to Leicester and two years later they moved to Brighton on the south coast of England. Two years later the family found themselves in Warwickshire, living in the village of Tanworth-in-Arden, in the heart of Shakespeare country.

By 1978 the Bells had moved to Lincoln but, within a year, their lives were set to change more dramatically. That summer, Andrew’s parents had returned from a visit to the United States, having embraced the Christian faith that would continue to inform them for the rest of their lives.

Later that year, an invitation arrived from California where, for a year, Bill Sr. would serve as the soccer coach for Athletes in Action. Young Andrew embraced the culture of the Sunshine State with gusto. He began following the fortunes of the LA Rams, whose quarterback, Vince Ferragamo, became something of a personal hero. He also began to cultivate an interest in Elvis Presley, an enthusiasm that continued throughout his life. Years later, he would affectionately refer to his youngest child, Elliott, as ‘Elvis’.

By 1979 the Bell wanderlust was kicking in again and Bill Sr. was called to take up the post of soccer coach at Liberty University in Virginia. Andrew attended Lynchburg Christian Academy, where he formed some of his strongest and lasting friendships. On graduation he was enrolled at Liberty University to study Speech and Communications. While he was there, he played soccer for his father and eventually served as his assistant coach for two years. Thereafter he moved to Montreat Anderson College where he was head coach for one season before attending graduate school at Bowling Green State University.

Andrew earned an MA from Bowling Green in Interpersonal and Business Communications and undertook further education in Speech and Rhetoric at the University of Pittsburgh. While at Bowling Green, he served as a teaching assistant and as an instructor at James Madison University. For three years, he taught at Grove City College where he was much loved by his students and colleagues.

Much as he excelled in academics and sport, the most lasting influence of his university years was nothing to do with either. It was at Liberty that he met the woman he married, Beth Wingfield. Together they would have four beautiful children, Ian, Emma, Aidan, and Elliott. Anyone who has spent time in their company will know just how warmly he loved them and also the high esteem in which they held him and each other. In recent months, Andrew would often reflect on how fortunate his life had been, attributing it chiefly to the happiness brought by his beloved wife and children.

Whatever he turned his hand to, Andrew had a remarkable aptitude. Most impressive was not simply his professional ability, but the intelligence, good humour, and respect with which he treated everyone with whom he came into contact.

He had cause to take satisfaction in his professional achievements. After university he soon became well known and respected by his colleagues in the paper and recycling industries, from his first appointment at Manchester Paper in 1998, to stints at Sonoco, Greenstar, and 4G. By the time of his passing, he had been employed for almost a decade at Republic Services, where he held the role of Senior marketing Manager.

Andrew’s Christian faith was central to his life. He wore it lightly and without undue display, but it profoundly shaped the way he lived. He was larger than life in so many ways. He filled a room with warmth, humour and understanding and lived a compassionate life. He will be deeply missed by the wide circle of family and acquaintances who will be saddened by his passing.

Andrew is survived by his wife, Beth, his children Ian, Emma, Aidan, and Elliott, and his older brother Bill and younger sister Caroline.

A Celebration of Andrew’s Life will take place on Friday, July 10th, 2:00 PM at Boonsboro Presbyterian Church, 2025 Mimosa Dr, Lynchburg, VA 24503