Walter “Rudy” Bell, 92 of Morganton, NC went to be with his Lord on Wednesday, August 20, 2025. Born on May 23, 1933, in South Port, NC, he was the son of the late Walter Enos Bell, Sr. and Aileen Pierce Bell. Rudy was a member of First Baptist Church of Morganton. He worked at JCPenney then later owned and operated Burand’s Department Store. Rudy later opened Bell Properties as a real estate agent. He was a graduate of UNC Chapel Hill with a BS in Business and was a member of Phi Delta Kappa and Beta Gamma Sigma Honor Fraternities. Rudy was very active in the community. He was President of the Burke Board of Realtors, Burke County UNC Alumni Association, Burke County United Way, Morganton Kiwanis Club, Downtown Development Association, and the Phoenix Home. Rudy especially cared for the Mimosa Christian Counseling Center and the Hmong Ministries of First Baptist Church. He was a cofounder and chairman of the Burke County Christian Business Men’s Committee (CBMC).
Rudy is survived by his wife of 70 years, Carolyn Bell; children, Sara Inman, Annette Searcy (Bryan), Wally Bell (Alex), and Tom Bell (Gina); and grandchildren, Carson Searcy (Lindsey), Mason Searcy (Stephanie), Fen Inman, Katy Ann Searcy, Jesse Inman, Anna Inman, Sarah Cox (Michael), Sadie Inman, Harrison Bell, and Rudy Bell.
In addition to his parents, Rudy was preceded in death by his daughter, Denise L. Bell; and sister, Joy Cornwell.
The family will receive friends from 12:30 to 2 p.m., Monday, August 25, 2025 at First Baptist Church in Morganton. The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. in the sanctuary with the Rev. Dr. Thomas A. Bland, Jr. and Rev. George Logan officiating. Burial will follow at Forest Hill Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Bell Scholarship Fund, c/o First Baptist Church, PO Box 459, Morganton, NC 28680.
Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.
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Rudy walked his talk! As our Sunday School teacher at First Baptist Morganton he was full of biblical knowledge! As board member at Mimosa Christian Counseling Center he insisted upon affordable professionally certified therapists to folks who came for help in life’s struggles! He was a big advocate for our scholarship fund which is used when clients cannot pay total costs per sessions God’s blessings to his family! Ed
What a good man. Rudy had a heart for the lost, wanting all to know Jesus as their Savior and Lord, and he wanted Christians to grow deeper in their relationship with God through Bible study and prayer. His love of God shone through his love of people. I'm sure my parents are happy to see him again. God bless Carolyn and all of the family.
Please know the Grace Ridge Retirement Community residents and staff have you in our thoughts and prayers. Mr. Bell was an amazing person and will be missed. Everyone that knew him has been blessed. May you find peace and comfort.
Rudy Bell Aug. 20, 2025 My best friend and spiritual father has entered the gates of Heaven. This man has invested in me for the past 46+ years. From the time I was 30 years old to this day. Rudy took me individually on a 1 time per week for one hour for a 6 week journey through a program that was called apply enough Operation Timothy. Together we learned what God expected of us, as Christian leaders, with the leadership tools needed to navigate being a husband, father and leader. We memorized scripture together and we shared our struggles in life to be faithful Christians. Lord, I will be ever grateful for that. My heart and soul goes out to Carolyn, their children, and grandchildren along with the community of faith in Jesus Christ.
Dear Bell Family, I was just thinking about Rudy a few days ago when passing the old Burand's building. I hadn't heard or seen him in some time. We use to sit together sometimes at REALTORS board luncheons. I was so sad to hear today of his passing.My prayers and love to all his family whom he loved so much.Prayers and hugs my Friends.
So sorry to hear this for my friends in the Bell and Searcy families. Rudy was a good man and very, very wise. Prayers and best wishes Wally and family...