Ray Bell of Denton, Texas passed away January 22, 2015 He was born June 1, 1946 in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, the son of Arthur and Martha Jeannette (Ray) Bell. He was raised in Wilpen, Pa outside Ligonier, Pa. He was the first in his family to graduate from college, receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree from Westminster in 1968. He then attended Louisville Presbyterian Seminary, where he graduated in 1971 with a Master of Divinity.

Ray married Karen Lee Strohecker of Mount Jackson, Pa on January 26, 1967. Ray's last year of Seminary included a study abroad at the University of Edinburgh. He and Karen lived in Scotland for 9 months and visited Italy on a bus tour during this time. After serving 2 other churches in Ohio, Ray moved to Warren, Ohio and ministered to Covenant Presbyterian in 1978.

In 1982, Ray moved his family to Coahoma, a small town in West Texas. Here he served the First Presbyterian Church. In 1989, he began working for the State of Texas in Child Protective Services. Then in 1993 he and Karen moved to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Ray and Karen enjoyed 3 years in Mexico before returning to Ohio to care for their aging parents.

In East Palestine, Ray operated a thrift store for a charity organization. Then along with Karen, they started a successful internet retail business. In 2009, they closed the business and retired. After losing Karen in 2012, Ray moved to Denton, Texas to join his son and daughter-in-law. He lived at the Bridgemoor Apartments until his death. The many people whose lives he touched in a very positive, personal way are scattered far and wide.

Ray is survived by his son, Drew and daughter-in-law Tsuei-Ling Sheu, of Denton and brother Alan of Wilpen, Pennsylvania.

Memorial contributions can be made to Ray's favorite charity, the Wounded Warrior Project.

Friends will be received from 5 to 7 pm Tuesday, January 27th at DeBerry Funeral Directors.