Tommy Wayne Bell, 82 of Taylor Ridge, Illinois, passed away Monday, September 22, 2025, at UnityPoint Health – Trinity Rock Island Hospital surrounded by his family. Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., Thursday, October 2, at the Fippinger Funeral Home in Aledo, Illinois. The memorial service will directly follow at 12 p.m. Graveside services will be at the Rock Island National Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be left to the family. Online condolences can be made at www.fippingerfuneralhome.com.
Tommy was born April 26, 1943, in Lafayette, Indiana, the son of Leo and Ruth Nichols Bell. He proudly served his country as a member of the United States Army from 1967 to 1969, including a tour in Vietnam. On November 29, 1969, he married Patsy Moss in Newport News, Virginia. They were married for 50 years before her passing on July 2, 2020.
Tommy worked most of his life in agriculture, including being a farm hand for Kimball Farms in Buffalo Prairie, Illinois, and a truck driver for Martin Grain/Big River Resources in Edgington, Illinois. He attended the Buffalo Prairie Presbyterian Church. Tommy was an avid NASCAR fan and enjoyed fishing, mowing, attending his grandchildren’s events, and spending time with family.
He is survived by two children, Sherry (Matt) Elam of Muscatine, Iowa, and Michael (Christina) Bell of Clinton, Iowa; three grandchildren, Hank, Henry, and Eli; brother, Mark (Doris) Bell of Reynolds, Illinois; brother-in-law, Jim Adams of Aledo, Illinois; and many more family and friends.
Tommy was preceded in death by his parents; wife; and sister, Agnes Adams.