John Mark Bell, 52, of Astor, Florida, passed away suddenly at his home on Oct. 7, 2017.

John Mark was born and raised in Richmond, Virginia, to Dr. Dewey H. Bell Jr. and Nancy Black Bell on Aug. 6, 1965.

“Mark” attended Trinity Episcopal High School, then John Tyler Community College. In his later years he moved to Myrtle Beach and Murrells Inlet, South Carolina, where he worked in metal fabricating and welding before recently settling in Astor, Florida.

He is survived by his sister, Vickie Bell Leming and her husband Dr. Joseph A. Leming of Gloucester; his brother, Dewey H. Bell III and his wife Karen Myers Bell of Newport News. He left behind seven nieces and nephews, Doug Wilt (Karen), Brent Wilt (Kelsie), Megan Wilt, Katie Wilt, Grayson Wilt, Dewey (Hobbs Bell) and Toliver Anne Bell (Tollie), and two great-nieces, Delaney and Madison.

John Mark lived as a free spirit who had a kind heart, never met a stranger, loved fishing, race cars, and was deeply devoted to his dog, Tigger.

A celebration of his life service will be at Ware Episcopal Church, Gloucester, Oct. 28, 2017 at 2 p.m., with reception to follow at Windward.