Martin Clay Bell

Martin Clay Bell of Mannford, Oklahoma passed away on Thursday, August 25, 2011 at his home at the age of forty-eight. Martin was born on September 20, 1962 in Gastonia, North Carolina; the son of Barry Max Bell and Anne Margrace Rednour. Marty was raised and attended school in Gastonia through the age of eleven. In 1973, he moved with his family to Albany, Georgia where he graduated from Albany High School in 1980. During his early childhood and later while attending high school, Marty attended the First Baptist Church in Myrtle Beach, North Carolina where he was baptized. He then attended the First Assembly of God in Albany, Georgia. After graduation from high school, Marty attended Albany Community College earning an Associate Degree in Radio Broadcasting. He immediately accepted a position with a radio station in a small community near Albany for a short time before returning to the Gastonia area. After working a few jobs, Marty accepted employment with Loweís as a sales associate and worked for them for many years. Marty established a friendship with Sharon Varnell in 1990 and remained in touch with each other, often through Sharonís mother, Jean Varnell for nearly twenty-years until they were united in marriage on September 20, 2010 in Wytheville, Virginia. The couple made their home in Mannford, Oklahoma as Marty transferred his position with Lowes to the Stillwater location. Shortly after locating to Mannford, Marty was forced into retirement for medical conditions. Marty was described by his family as a quick witted and funny individual that was considerate and extremely easy to get along with. He was considered by his wife, Sharon as the ìBest That God Could Give,î and was extremely devoted to him as he was to her. He enjoyed country music and loved animals. He had three Chihuahuas, which he loved dearly, Cinnamon (which he had for nearly ten years), Sugar and Chips. His love for animals led to his strong affiliation with the Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) to which he often contributed. Marty is survived by his wife, Sharon Leann Bell, of the home, father, Barry Max Bell of Gastonia, North Carolina, mother, Anne Margrace McCraken of Rural Retreat, Virginia; two step-daughters, Sierra Cobble of Sapulpa, Oklahoma and Sydney Biggin of Kellyville, Oklahoma; step-granddaughter, Natalie Cobble of Sapulpa, Oklahoma; and two two brothers, Andrew Rednour Bell of Bangkok, Thailand and Chuck Bell of Belmont, North Carolina. He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Henry Clay Bell and Ethel Biggerstaff Bell and maternal grandparents, John Edgar Rednour and Nannie Brown Rednour.