On June 4, 2020, at the sound of the holy trumpet, Johnie Bell Jr. received his crown and robe and entered his eternal mansion. He passed peacefully at Hendrick Medical Center, surrounded by his closest family and devoted wife. Johnie was born to Ethel Mae Stevenson-Thomas and Johnny Bell Sr. in Temple, Texas on July 30, 1947. Shortly after his birth, he moved to Abilene, Texas. He attended and graduated from Woodson High School. As a youth he worked delivering newspapers. In his early adulthood he worked a short period for Ms. Baird's before dedicating his self to working at the Coca-Cola Company. After 44 years of loyal service to Coca-Cola, Johnie retired and enjoyed his new role as full time Papa to not only his grandchildren, but to all of the children that have attended Meme & Papa's House in home day care. Papa Johnie believed that the quality of your work and how you provided for your family, defined your true character. He often referenced, 2 Thessalonians 3:10, "For even when we were with you, this we commanded you; that if any would not work, neither should he eat." Prior to the progression of his illness, he served as a Brother and attended Church Christ at North 10th and Treadaway. He loved worshipping and fellowship with his brothers and sisters in Christ. In the Summer of 1994, he met and married the love of his life Arlene Coleman of Abilene, Texas and her three children. Together they wonderfully blended and loved five children. Johnie instilled, the love of family, the love of Christ, hard-work, financial security, and grit into all of his children. Johnie was quiet and reserved. But when he spoke, you always stopped to listen. He always left you with assurance and wise words. He was greeted in heaven, by his mother Ethel Mae Thomas; father Johnny Bell Sr.; stepfather, Lorenza "Tank" Thomas; his brothers, T.C. Bell Sr., Lorenzo "Nookie" Bell, Floyd Bell; and sister Mattie Williams. He is survived by his beautiful wife Arlene Bell; siblings; Helen Simmons, Abilene, Texas; Ella Dennis, San Antonio, Texas; his children, Jacquelyn Williams, Arlington, Texas; Terriance Bell (Jean), Fort Worth, Texas; Jamie Coleman (Janice), Denton, Texas; Dee Dolton (Odis), Abilene, Texas; Ashely Glover (Joseph), Providence Village, Texas. Johnie had 10 grandkids and 14 great grandkids, as well as a host of nieces, nephews, family, and friends that he adored. Visitation will be Thursday, June 11, 2020 from 5pm-7pm. Homegoing celebration will be Friday, June 12, 2020 at 11am. All services will be held at North's Funeral Home – 242 Orange Street, Abilene, Texas 79601. Interment services will occur immediately after at the Abilene Municipal Cemetery. Online condolences and memories may be shared with the family through the online obituary link at www.northsfuneralhome.com .