William Richard Bell, 79, Sebastian
William Richard Bell, 79, died Oct. 5, 2017, at his residence. He was born in Knoxville, Tenn., and lived in Sebastian since 2008 coming from Chester, Va.
Bill was a US Army veteran and research chemist.
He was a member of Central Assembly of God, Vero Beach, Florida, volunteered at the SPCA and Salvation Army Thrift Stores in Vero Beach, Florida and was a math mentor to many children.
Bill received his Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Tennessee.
Survivors include wife, Helen; daughter, Almedia Bell-Cary, of Waves, N.C.; and longtime friends, Bill and Jane Markins of Chester, Va.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, PO Box 1000 Dept. 142, Memphis, TN 38101-9908 in memory of William R. Bell.
Lt. Col. Robert Barnes Fox III, 85, Vero Beach
Lt. Colonel Robert Barnes Fox III, USAF Retired, 85, of Vero Beach, passed peacefully on Tuesday Oct. 3, 2017. Bob was the son of Robert and Margaret Fox and was raised in Bridgeport, Ct.
Bob served 20 years as a fighter pilot in the Air Force, where he earned multiple citations for flying skill and bravery, including the Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal with 6 Oak Leaf Clusters and the Meritorious Service Medal. His assignments took him and Elaine to Japan, Maine, Florida, Minnesota, Alabama, North Dakota, South Carolina, and Montana. He had an independent tour in Alaska and a combat tour in Viet Nam flying the RF-101.
Bob was an alumni of the University of Nebraska, Purdue University and the University of Southern California, earning Master’s degrees in education and operations management.
Following retirement, Bob led the Air Force Junior ROTC programs at Highland High School in Highland, Indiana and Vero Beach High School in Vero Beach. In between these two programs, for several years, Bob and a partner ran Southlake Aviation in Griffith, Ind., and he was later active on the Vero Beach Airport Commission.
Bob and Elaine have been enjoying retirement for the past 30 years, flying their Piper Arrow around Florida and the southeast. They also ventured to Albuquerque for the Balloon Fiesta for many years, and to Australia for two charter flying tours of that continent.
In 2015, Bob received the Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award. This is the most prestigious award the FAA issues to pilots to recognize individuals who have exhibited professionalism, skill, and aviation expertise for at least 50 years while piloting aircraft as “Master Pilots.” Bob is part of a large flying family, both military and civilian. His sons, cousins, and in-laws have distinguished themselves by carrying on his tradition of take offs equal landings since WWII.
Bob is survived by his wife of 62 years, Elaine, and five sons; Robert (Melonie), David (Marcia), Richard (Kerstin), Charles, and William; five grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; three brothers-in-law; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.
His sister, Nancy, passed away in 2011.
A Remembrance and Celebration of his life will be scheduled in the coming months.
Fae E. Witherell, 92, Vero Beach
Fae E. Witherell, 92, of Vero Beach, passed away Oct. 4, 2017. She was born in Burke, N.Y.
She was the manager of Dey Bros. Department Store alteration department in Syracuse, N.Y., for many years. She and her husband, Bryce, moved to Florida in 1986.
Fae volunteered for the Vero Beach Humane Society for over 28 years and was also on the Board of Countryside Association for 2 years.
She enjoyed bingo, cards, bowling and life.
Fae leaves behind many friends, nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her husband, Bryce, in 1989; her parents Charles Dumas and Nettie Plante Dumas; three brothers, Vernon, Leonard and Marvin; and five sisters, Loretta Basilierre, Juanita Derouchie, Winona Hartman, Avis Reome LeDuc, and Evelyn Brown.
Her wishes were to be buried with her husband in Burke, N.Y. There will be no calling hours per her wishes.
Donations in her memory to may be made to the VNA Foundation/Hospice House, 1110 35th Lane, Vero Beach, FL 32960-4801.