Billy Eugene Bell (Bill) was born August 2, 1954 in Wessington Springs, SD to Billy & Josephine (Kearton) Bell. He married Debra Grieve on Nov 13, 1981. They moved to Custer in 1983. They had three children – Shawn Bell (Newcastle, WY), Travis Bell (Custer), Manda (Bryan) Buck (Woonsocket, SD).  Bill employed for many years at Linde Sawmill as the head sawyer. After Linde's closed, he went to work for Sander Sanitation Service, Inc. as a mechanic. His greatest passion during his life was fighting fire.  He joined the Custer Volunteer Fire Department in 1988.  He truly enjoyed working with the community and with his fellow firefighters throughout his 31 years in the fire service. In state or out of state, where-ever he was needed, he was there.  In March of 2012 he was diagnosed with bladder cancer. He fought a long – hard battle and thought he had kicked it, but in January of this year it flared up again with a vengeance.  "Like a Wildfire in on a windy day", he lost his battle on March 18, 2019.

He is survived by his wife Deb of 37 years, his children, Shawn, Travis & Manda. Sister Linda (Maxon) Conkey of St Lawrence, SD. Brother Keith (Trina) Bell of Huron, SD. 8 grandchildren; Zachary, Noah, Brookelynn, Tieghan, Paislei, Kaydn, Michael & Alaina. Many nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Randy, Aunts & Uncles, 1 niece & 1 nephew.

A "Celebration of Life" will be held on May 11, 2019 at the VFW from noon to 4:00pm.