Cedric Shawn Bell

Sunrise 12.17.74                                                                                 Sunset 07.01.24

Our Beloved Cedric, age 49, of Hartsville, Tennessee departed this life after a short illness the early morning hours of July 1st, 2024.

Cedric was the second child, but the eldest son of Alfred Bell Jr and Deborah D. Bell.

Born and reared in Muskegon, Mi. Cedric attended both Phillips and Oakview elementary schools, Steele Jr. High School, and then graduating from Muskegon Sr. High School in 1993. (Big Red for LIFE)

Cedric, along with his other siblings were identified as a "Pew Babies". From the time he was old enough to be carried into the sanctuary, going to church was a huge part of his life. Cedric was "dedicated" back to the Lord as an infant, and when he reached the age of accountability he was baptized in the Name of Jesus Christ at The Church of God, Holy Faith under the Pastoral ship of the late Bishop John L Bankhead. As a young child Cedric was active in church activities. He was active in the Young Peoples Christian Workers, the Church youth Choir, Sunday School, and tried his hand at the drums occasionally. Cedric most recently reclaimed his walk with Christ under the guidance of Bishop Fred Matthews Jr. of Triumphant Church of Madison Tennessee.

As Cedric matured he became a true sportsman. He played for the East Muskegon Little League . Teaming with sponsors such as FOP and Jones Sporting Goods among others. Whatever Cedric did he enjoyed; Fishing, traveling, hunting and FAST Cars were among his favorites. He was a self proclaimed connoisseur of Food. He especially loved to grill and smoke his meats. He was always instructing people to "train their palate". While all these things he loved to do in a specific season of his life 's journey; as a young man Football became his passion and he graced the line up on the Muskegon Big Red football field all 4 years of high school. Going one year with the Big Reds to the Ford Fieldhouse for the Championship playoffs. (AGAIN!! Big Red for Life)

Cedric had a heart to help people. All people. He did an internship with the American Red Cross Muskegon Chapter, where he worked tirelessly at his position, not only identifying needs within the community he actually was visibly at work carrying out the services known from the Red Cross... "Boots on the Ground"; He loved helping others. In August of 2005 he and his little brother made their way to New Orleans to assist with the clean up after Hurricane Katrina. His heart was softened seeing the devastation there and he worked hard to help where he could. It didn't matter to him how brutal the situation. If he could make it right for someone he would. One occasion it was reported he actually saved the life of an inmate that had been injured, Cedric put his naked finger in the wound under the inmates arm and held it there to stymie the bleeding until paramedics arrived. Our Cedric....

After high school graduation, Cedric attended Ferris State University, Big Rapids, Mi. determined to play college football. After one year at Ferris, Cedric transferred to Jackson State University in Jackson Mississippi where he was a "red shirt "Freshman football team member. At practice early in the season, Cedric broke his leg and he gave up on the pursuit of Football. But that was not the end.

In 1995 Cedric and his only brother enlisted into the US Army on the Buddy System. Cedric and his brother making the third Generation of Military Men in our family. All ARMY. Thank you for your service to our country.

Cedric came home from the Army and attended the training program at PRIME Trucking Company. There he gained his CDL and went to work for JB HUNT Motor Freight out of Chicago Ill. During his time at JB Hunt Cedric was honored with a Safety Award. This Monetary award allowed him to take his entire family on a 5 day Caribbean Cruise.

Cedric had a Dream. He was sure he wanted a future in Criminal Justice.. and he set off to make that vision a reality.

Back to school

Cedric received his Certification as a Corrections Officer then an Associate in Science and Arts with an emphasis in Criminal Justice/Corrections from Muskegon Community College in 2011. He went on and completed his Bachelor of Science Degree from Grand Valley State University in Allendale, Michigan in 2013. Ready now to actively pursue his Criminal Justice career, he successfully completed an internship with the Muskegon Heights Police Dept. Cedric worked a short time for the Michigan Department of Corrections at the Muskegon Correctional Facility. Still in search of the perfect job Cedric left his home town in Muskegon Michigan for Tennessee. Accepted in the Tennessee Correction Academy, successfully completed the Tennessee Correction Academy's Pre-Service Program for Probation/Parole Officer December 7th 2018. Cedric immediately accepted a position as Probation/Parole Officer with the Tennessee Department of Corrections in Knoxville Tennessee. Cedric would soon accept another position closer to his family in Nashville with the Trousdale Correctional Facility as Case Manager, in Hartsville, Tennessee until his illness did not allow him to perform his work duties any longer.

Cedric leaves an innumerable amount of broken hearts that will always remember him; his parents Alfred Bell Jr and Deborah Bell of Murfreesboro Tennessee, One brother Brian (Damica) Bell of Muskegon Heights Mi, Two sisters Aleece (Carl) Nichols of Mount Juliet Tennessee and Shontea L. Bell of Grand Rapids, Mi. One son, Davontae (Cassandra) Bell of Grand Rapids, Mi and One daughter Dabrina D Bell of Muskegon, Mi. Cedric leaves 9 beautiful grandchildren Harmony Murphy, Leah Bell, Elijah Houston, Londyn Bell and Noah Lee of Muskegon, Mi. Michael, Ma'layah, Avanna and Josiah Bell all of Grand Rapids, Mi. A niece and nephew that loved him beyond measure, Naomi (Chocolate Drop) Nichols and Ahgust (little man) Nichols; A host of Aunts, Uncles, Nieces, Nephews cousins, and friends to numerous to count. A very special friend that was with him through some of the toughest times in his life journey Jenny Server.

Cedric was preceded in death by both his maternal and paternal grandparents several Aunts and Uncles including Two Aunts that loved and treasured him dearly, Rosa Lee Frierson and Patricia A. Bell

The Family of Cedric Bell

Extend a heartfelt Thank You to

Smith Family Funeral and Cremation in Murfreesboro TN

Clock Funeral Home Muskegon, Mi

Bishop Fred Matthews and Triumphant Church Madison TN

Bishop Manasseh Bankhead Muskegon, Mi Bishop Avery Burrell Muskegon, Mi

Bishop Sherman Merritt Nashville TN

Pastor Tyrone Rule Muskegon Mi

Bishop John and Pastor Jason Williams Muskegon, Mi.

All those that called, prayed, sent cards, brought food

Whatever you offered to us, during this time we appreciate with all of our heart.

Thank YOU, Thank you, Thank you