Donald Solliday Bell

Don, age 86, died at his home in Edenton, NC, April 1, 2013. On this day, the kind of day Don loved, the sun was shining bright, the birds were singing and the flowering trees were in bloom. Don was born, delivered by his grandfather, Dr. Solliday, June 15, 1926, in Purcellville, VA to the late Levi Preston Bell, Jr. and Fay S. Bell. Don was preceded in death by his stepfather, J. Wesley Best; his sisters, Jean Bell Wilson and husband Nelson B. Wilson of McLean, VA, Frances Bell Kenney and husband Nathaniel Kenney, and brother, Levi Preston Bell. Don is survived by his nieces; Valerie Wilson Starr of Linden, VA and B. Joan Bell of Purcellville, VA and Janice Kenney Critchett of Florida; his nephew Kent M. Wilson of Roanoke, VA; and his sister-in-law Betty D. Bell also of Purcellville, VA. Don's education was in Virginia; he was Episcopalian. His family forebears came from Holland. Don served in the Marines as an officer-trainer for young men entering the service from 1943 until 1946. In later years, he was a junior officer with U. S. Steel in Washington and was involved with the "Theater Guild of the Air" through that company. As a result, he would tell of his meeting movie stars, most notable were Jimmie Stewart and Shirley Temple. The stories Don shared and the books he read, reflected his love of the outdoors and nature. His fondness of the water was evident. He enjoyed canoeing at the early age of ten, and later in his life, the same love of water moved him to crewing a friend's yacht from Atlantic City down to Washington. It was Don's love of the water that led him to Edenton in 1955. Being the adventurer Don was during this time, he left his position with U. S. Steel, packed a fifteen foot canoe, and set off south for Florida! Fortunately for all of us, during this journey, he spotted Sandy Point Beach and decided to spend one night on the beach. It was this "one night" stay when he met, Kermit and Elizabeth (Lib) Layton, Sr., and their children, Barbara and Kermit, Jr. Kermit and Lib established and built-up this stretch of sandy land, known as Sandy Point Beach. The rest is history!! Don's friendship with the Layton family, through this chance encounter, led Don to become a resident of the area in 1955, and a member of the Layton family. Don was known through his management of Sandy Point Beach. He touched many people, not just those from the Albemarle area, but many, many folks from the eastern coastline, who would camp at Sandy Point, and who would return year after year. Don was genuinely interested in and engaged with the people he met. He enjoyed reminiscing and sharing stories. He would counsel and advise many young people. Much of his advice is carried by many even today. He shared his knowledge with those who met him, and he always had the ability to find the best in everyone and to make everyone feel better about themselves. Don never wanted to accept credit for his help with many troubled youth. But, for those he did help, they certainly recognized his gift and they are today thankful their paths crossed while visiting Sandy Point Beach. A Memorial Celebration of Don's life will be held Saturday, May 18th at 11:00 a.m. at Miller Funeral Home and Crematory, 735 Virginia Road, Edenton. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to your local chapter of the American Cancer Society or online at www.cancer.org or to the fund established to help Save The Taylor Theater. Checks should be made to the Town of Edenton with designation to be used for the theater and mailed to PO Box 300, Edenton, NC 27932. Online condolences and memories may be directed to www.millerfhc.com and Kermit and Laney Layton, 300 S. Moseley Street, Edenton, NC 27932 and Richard and Barbara Hollowell, 428 Batchelor Bay Drive, Windsor, NC 27932.