Richard "Dick" Mark Bell, 60, of Pensacola, FL, passed away on Tuesday, December 7, 2021.

Your struggles are over, Dear One, your journey through life done. We grieve your passing, but are grateful that it was peaceful. No one will ever take your place in our hearts!

He was the twinkle in many a person's eye, possibly someone's first kiss, another's first crush. Dick was loved by many who were lucky enough to stand in his light.

A bon vivant with every gift, Dick had a tender heart, an appreciation for adventure, a love for music, and an unparalleled compassion for others. He was always there for family and friends in his special way.

No one else looked like him, spoke like him, wrote like him, or was as original as he was.

Appreciating the irony that life sometimes offers, Dick was the funniest person not on stage! He regaled friends with his interesting stories and his hilarious impressions. You knew you would leave laughing any time you were at an event or gathering with Dick. Not an opera star, he still found his stage in people's homes and hearts.

Educated at Baylor University and the University of West Florida, Dick was well-read and well-informed. He loved books, had an appreciation for beautiful songs, maintained an eye for good design, and he never took a coastal sunrise for granted.

Dick traveled to Korea and Greece, and found visiting other countries a soul-enriching experience.

He loved chicken and dumplings, homemade biscuits, and crab claws. Constantly in pursuit of culinary excellence, Dick was an extraordinary cook. He could put together tremendous dishes and, like his father, took great pleasure in showing his love for others through food. How we will miss his finesse in the kitchen!

In his earlier years, Dick was a commercial print model, a pianist, a host for fundraising galas, and a decorator. His professional skills translated into projects for Adache Architects, Beard Equipment, Susan Blanton Design in Texas, Constance Crosby Interiors in Pensacola, and finally for his own firm - Dick Bell Designs.

How can one put into words, in a small space, such a big life! Dick had a huge personality, a presence that could not be ignored, a laugh that bent you double, and a wit that never failed to lift those around him.

Dick is preceded in death by his father, and WWII veteran, Ed Bell.

He is survived and missed by his mother, Margaret Bell, whom Dick lived with during the last few years; his grieving sister, Angela Shepherd and her husband, Richard; his niece, Meredith Shepherd; and his nephew, Nate Shepherd, and Nate's wife, Jessica.

To rest at sea was Dick's last wish, so you may someday see his spirit in the sparkle of the waves surrounding Pensacola.

We thank God for the life of a man who enriched our own. May flights of angels sing thee to thy rest, Dear Son, Brother, Brother-In-Law, Uncle, and Friend.

Sleep in heavenly peace!

A memorial visitation will be held 1:00pm until the memorial service to begin at 2:00pm Friday, December 10, 2021, at First Baptist Church Pleitz Chapel.

Memorials may be made to the Music Ministry at First Baptist Church Pensacola.