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Celebrating the life of
Dean Britton Bell
January 10, 1961 - May 28, 2020
Dean Britton Bell, 59, died on May 28, 2020, at his home in Texas. His beloved family and friends mourn his unexpected death.
Dean was born on January 10, 1961, in Moultrie, Georgia to Reverend Grover and Deanie Bell and spent his early years living in South Georgia with his family as a “preacher’s kid.” After graduating the University of South Carolina with both a Master’s of Business Administration and receiving a Juris Doctor, Dean practiced law in South Carolina for many years, even opening his own firm on Hilton Head Island. His fondness for legal practice transcended state lines as a member of the South Carolina Bar Association, the Texas Bar Association, and recently passing the Georgia Bar as well.
His smooth southern charm and true southern accent cleverly masked a giant intellect. Dean had a voracious appetite for knowledge, which really shone through his passion for both history and cooking. This led him to restore a downtown historic Savannah property, reinventing the space as a restaurant that entwined the present and past. Although accomplished in so many ways, Dean was most of all, humble. Above all, his true pride and joy was his son Corey, who he often remarked was too smart for his own good.
Dean loved many things in his life, the South Carolina Gamecocks, Georgia Bulldogs, and more often than not, a good debate. Of which he always declared himself the winner, whether he was or not. Dean adored and pampered his dogs, Abner and Ginger. He always joked his retirement plan was to win the lottery. However, Dean knew exactly what he wanted to do with the winnings—open up a non-profit, no kill shelter.
Dean’s heart also belonged to his lovely fiancée, Shirley Boone. They regularly enjoyed cruising on their “hogs” and enjoying time with family. Dean lovingly welcomed the new members to his family, as both moved to Texas earlier this year to be closer to her kids and grandchildren.
Dean is survived by his son, Corey Bell; his fiancée, Shirley Boone; his parents, Dr. Grover and Deanie Bell; his brothers, Burt Bell and Doug Bell; his sisters, Carol Melton and Crystal Davidian and husband John; his nieces and nephews.
Due to Covid-19, there will be a small memorial service at Fox & Weeks in Savannah, Georgia, date to be determined.
Remembrances may be sent to the Hilton Head Humane Association, 10 Humane Way, Hilton Head Island, SC 29926.
I am saddened by the sudden loss of Dean. He will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
- John Boone, Fort Worth, TX
Please except my condolences Dean was a dear friend of mine
- Ellie bitton , Hilton Head , Sc
My heart goes out to all. Especially to you, my sweet Corey.
- Julie E Bell, Columbia , SC
My deepest condolences to Dean and his family. May the lord provide comfort to Shirley and his loved ones in this time of sorrow.
- Scott Kennedy, Justin , Texas
It was truly a pleasure getting Service from Dean Bell as our lower in HHI. And friend of us . He will be deeply missed.
- Zohara Shirin Bitton, HHI, SC
Our thoughts and prayers are with Dean’s family during this different time. Dean was humble and enjoyable person, he taught me so much in the 8 years I worked for him. His life was over too soon. It hurt my heart terribly to hear such sad news. I remember playing the lottery in the office and Dean always telling us he’d close up the office and pay all of us a years salary if he ever won the lottery. I will miss him so much!
- Misty Paul, Chelsea, Alabama
It has been a pleasure working with Dean over the years. He was definitely one of a kind. My thoughts and prayers go out to all of his family and friends. He will be deeply missed.
- Christy Butler, Beaufort, SC
My thoughts and prayers are with Shirley and family. I had the privilege of knowing and working with Dean for over 10 years. He will truly be missed!
- Robin Fallis , Jacksonville , FL
I am sorry to hear of Dean passing. I will pray For peace and comfort for the family and friends. Shirley a special prayer for you.
- Keith Horton , Ridgeland , SC
My condolences to Shirley and Dean’s family. I had the pleasure of knowing Dean for over 20 years. He was always great to work with.
- Ralph Wagner , Hilton Head, South Carolina
This news ripped my heart out. I had the pleasure of working for Dean many years ago. I was lucky enough to run into him from time to time doing business. Always made everyone smile. A jokester for sure. My deepest condolences to everyone that is hurting.
- Rachael Rymal, Bluffton , SC
Our deepest condolences in the passing of our dear lawyer, and friend Dean! We will always remember his funny jokes and great personality! He will be missed. We send our love to the family !!
- Weitzner family, Hilton Head Island, SC
We are very sad to learn that Dean is gone. He was a great guy and taught me so much about the practice of law. I will always appreciate all that he did for me. Our thoughts and prayers are with Dean's family and loved ones.
- Myers Truluck, COLUMBIA, SC
Beyond saddened by this news. Dean was a wonderful man and a great guy to be around. My most heartfelt condolences to Shirley, Corey, and the rest of the family. Dean, you will be missed. RIP Brother
- Sean Henzler, Hilton Head Island , SC
I am saddened beyond words to hear this. Dean and I were involved in many cases, some on the same side, some not. He was a super lawyer and just a great person. A true follower of Christ, one day I will catch up with him. My heart extends to his family. This is very sad news indeed.
- Doug Delaney, Bluffton, SC
My thoughts and prayers are with each of you during this very difficult time. May God surround you with HIS tender and loving care.
- Mary Alice Garvin, Savannah, GA
We extend warm condolences to you Shirley and the family. We are here for you. Keep praying. God is your strength and refuge. We love ya.
- The Blasingame Family, Irmo, SC
Very sorry to hear of Dean's passing. He was an asset to the legal community, but more importantly he was always a sincere and fun person to interact with and will be missed. May his family be comforted.
- John Wilkins, Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
I was so saddened to hear of Dean's passing. I was always pleased when I opened a real estate closing file and I found out that Dean represented the other party in the closing: that meant that I was working with a true professional -- he always had a funny story to share on some topic -- and he even made the difficult files bearable .... My sincere sympathy to his family -- he will be missed
- Maria Belbas Parker, Hilton Head Island, SC
Shelton and I are deeply shocked and saddened by this horrible news. To Shirley and Dean's family our deepest condolences.
Deanie and Grover, my deepest condolences to you and your family on the loss of your precious son.
- Becky Cheatham, Savannah, Georgia
My Sister, I was stunned when you told me the tragic news about Dean. Everyone who knows you must be appalled and heartbroken at the loss of Dean, your best friend and fiance. There are no words to adequately express my sympathy for the devastating and profound loss you must be feeling. I'll be seeing you in the next couple of days. Until then, we send all our love and deepest sympathy. I love you, Sister
- Angela and Scott Lidji, Dallas, Texas
Neal and I send our deepest sympathy to Corey and the family. We enjoyed our association with Dean over the years through real estate. A great loss and a great life cut too short.
- Betty Hambleton , Hilton Head Island , SC
Brother Bell, Deanie, Burt, Doug, Carol and Crystal: I am so very sorry to read the news about Dean. We had just reconnected through Facebook not too many weeks ago. It was good to be in touch again. I have such fond and happy memories of my time with all of you. Dean was a special soul. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
- Vicki Forehand Mills, Macon, GA
Shirley, such fond memories of you and Dean coming in the Register of Deéds office. My prayers are with you and the family.
- Kathy Hightower, Ridgeland, South Carolina
Dean was one of the nicest people that I've ever known and we shared a lot of experiences together in high school. I might also add that he was one of the smartest people in our high school. We were very good friends and football teammates. After high school we went our separate ways and lost contact with each other. 3yrs ago we reconnected via Facebook and kept promising each other that we would get our families together and reminisce over times gone past. Gosh, how saddened I am now that we ran out of time on our promise. RIP my dear friend Deano. You were a very rare man that one meets very few times in a lifetime and you will never be forgotten.
- Mark DuBose, Macon, Ga
Dean was my favorite attorney Over the past 23 years and a fantastic person. I’m sorry so Shirley and family for your loss. You are in my prayers. My deepest condolences.
- Kathy Bolton , Bluffton, SC
So sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
- Sandra Melton Scott, Louisville , KY
A candle has been lit!
I was deeply saddened to read of Dean’s passing this morning. I knew him for many years and most recently dined at his beautiful restaurant. I also remember his wonderful laugh that came easily to him. Please accept my prayers and condolence.
- Sally Hitchcock , Bluffton, Sc
A candle has been lit!
So sorry to hear about the sudden passing of Dean. He was such a great guy he is gone way way to soon. My deepest condolences to Shirley and his family . he will be missed Best Rich
- richard kolsch, stony brook, New York
A candle has been lit!
I am so very saddened by Dean's passing. For Shirley and all the family, my deepest condolences, thoughts and prayers are with you.
- myra daniell, bluffton, SC
Crystal. John, and Caitlyn, I am so sorry to hear this. Prayers for peace in the days ahead.
- Marilyn Turner, Statesboro, GA
I am very sad to learn of Dean's passing, and pray for comfort to come quickly to his loved ones. We shared many fun memories in high school and college - he will always hold a very place in my heart.
- Faith Bloodworth Bowman, Melbourne, FL
Deepest condolences to the Dean Family. Our thoughts are prayers for the family as the cope with this sudden loss.
- Nikul Patel, Beaumont, TX
My sympathies, prayers & condolences to Dean's family. I am saddened by the loss of Dean our family attorney and friend. God Bless his family & memory.
- Jeanne Houston Hampton, Savannah, Georgia
A candle has been lit!
Dean was much more than our attorney. He was a good friend. We have fond memories of tailgating trips and house parties with his delicious culinary creations. Dean was always fun to be around. We are saddened by this news. Our condolences go out to Corey and the entire Bell family.
- Cosimo/Deborah Urato, Hilton Head Island, SC
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of loss.
- Sonnier , Orange , Texas
Dear Grover and Deanie and Family, We are so sorry of the loss of your dear son Dean. It is with heartfelt prayers and thoughts we send to you all at this very difficult time. Please know that God mourns with you and keep you in the palms of HIS hands. I'm sorry we didn't know him personally. His life is a testament of his upbringing by you. God bless and keep you. Love, Peter and Bonnie Delvers
- Delvers, Savannah, GA
To Grover, Deanie & family, our heart goes out to all of you in this time of grief.
- Cora & Marti Herndon, St. Marys, Georgia
I was very sorrow to hear about Dean's passing. I practiced law on Hilton Head Island for 15 years and interacted with Dean many times. He was easy to work with and was always very professional. My thoughts are with his family.
- Sonja Friedman, Ashland, Oregon
I did not know of Dean's passing until today January 10, 2024. I knew Dean in college at UGA. We would go to Dunkin Donuts in Athens, GA following our studying for exams. He always loved the plain old fashioned donuts. Today I happened to be ordering old fashioned donuts at Dunkin when I remembered today was his birthday. So, I sent an email to wish him a happy birthday and to share my memory of our times at Dunkin Donuts when we were silly college kids. When the email bounced back, I searched online only to find this news. I can still hear his laugh and see him throw his head back. He cooked the best fried chicken and gravy of anyone I knew. God bless his family and Shirley as they navigate this loss of a great man.
- Laurie Waguespack Hill, Blue Ridge, GA
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
- Arrangements are incomplete and will be announced.