William Arthur Bell Jr.

William Arthur Bell Jr., age 96, of Oak Ridge, passed away Saturday, Dec. 22, at Blount Memorial Medical Center in Maryville.

He was born Nov. 24, 1916 in Powell Station, the son of Nola (Hibbs) and William Arthur Bell Sr.

We were blessed to be at the side of our father and hero, holding his hand, at the end. His very labored breathing stopped, his eyes opened very wide staring straight up towards heaven, and his heart stopped. He was at peace and his suffering gone. He had fought the good fight, and it was done.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by brother Lynn Bell and sister Faye Korff.

He was the most loving and devoted husband of Anna Leece Williams Bell, and father, mentor, and role model to William Kenneth (Patty) Bell and Karen Kay Bell (Raymond) Hansen. He was a patriot, serving in the U.S. Navy during World War II.

A brilliant scientist, he worked first for the USFDA both before and after WWII, and then for four decades for the Oak Ridge National Laboratory Stable Isotope Separation Program as head of research and development, where he was responsible for numerous patents.

After retiring, he became the best Papaw in the world to William Andrew (Gillian) Bell, Timothy John Bell, Kenneth Christopher Bell, and Phillip Michael (Tia) Bell. And finally, great-grandfather, Big Bill, to Wiley James Bell, Romany Nicola Bell, and Elizabeth Rose Bell. He loved and was loved. He will be missed. Dad, we love you.

The family received friends Wednesday, Dec. 26, 2012 from 11 a.m.–12 p.m. at Weatherford Mortuary. The funeral followed at 12 p.m. with Rev. Jack Sills officiating.

A private burial will be held at Bells Camp Ground Cemetery in Knox County.

An online guest book can be signed at www.weatherfordmortuary.com.