Ronald Bell Obituary

A true giant in the field of pediatric dentistry and orthodontics. He cannot be replaced!

Always loved never forgotten

I was shocked and saddened to to learn of Ron's untimely passing. What an outstanding scholar, teacher, and friend he was. His teachings on early treatment orthodontics were so sound, and scientifically based that all who heard him speak, and practiced what they learned from him were able to provide an incredible service to the growing children that they served.

May you rest in peace, Ron, after a life of incredible service!

I had the honor and absolute pleasure of being a pediatric dental resident at MUSC over the past two years and was mentored by Dr. Bell. He was (as everyone has said) an amazing individual, eager to teach his residents and field questions at any time with a practical way of creating a passion to learn. His stories of years past were legendary- and his love for his family, teaching, art, music, craft beers, and anything Louisiana was what made him such an affable and unique individual. He was a true hero and trailblazer of the pediatric dental and orthodontic culture and his legacy in the dental world will live on through the residents he taught and the countless others that were able to hear him lecture over the years. I will always consider him not only one of the greatest mentors I have ever had, but also a dear friend. He will be greatly missed not only by his family and close friends, but also by his dental family all over the country.
"Learning is a change in behavior"- Ron Bell

I have had the supreme privilege of being one of Dr. Bell's students..all the way from Dental Assisting at Augusta Tech to Dental Hygiene at MCG to MUSC College of Dental Medicine where Dr. Bell taught Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics to a captive audience of Dental Students and Dental Residents. Never at a loss for words, his wisdom will resound through the lives he touched and taught over so many years!! I know he will be sadly and very much missed...

I feel very fortunate to have had Dr. Bell as my professor and mentor at MUSC. There are so many good memories from my time under his guidance and in more recent times, I would seek him out for his wisdom and opinions. He will be missed.

Ronnie was my great friend and the best brother in law anyone could have. Always there for me and included me in all occasions...trips in the U.S. and Europe, LSU football, crabbing, dining out, presidential election chat, movies, books...Scrabble...he was my Scrabble partner. And I appreciate that he took such excellent care of my sister. Life will not be the same without him. He will always be an inspiration to my sons. They admired him greatly. We all did.

Marti, my sincere condolences over your loss. May God hold you and your son gently in His hands.

I had the good fortune to be a teacher, colleague and friend of Ron's. I am saddened to lose such a man who contributed so much.

Marti,I am so sorry for the loss of your husband, Ronnie. I remember him as a sweet soul at BRHS.It was so thoughtful of you to remember my mother at her death.Please give my regards to Jane.

Dr. Bell was my boss at MUSC for several years. He was so kind and truly one of the best people I have ever known. Rest in Peace.

Dear Marty and Matt,
Mere words cannot express the sorrow for your loss. I was blessed to work for your husband and father for nine years, he was a wonderful advisor,teacher, boss, and friend. I enjoyed working with him the most of my 3 years of dental assisting. We shared alot of laughs over stories about his life growing up, that he was a foody, and the many different beers he liked to try.
May God hold you in the palm of his hand and give you strength for all the days ahead.
With sincere sadness and admiration,
Lisa D. White

Dr. Bell encouraged me to teach and gave great advice on how to share one's knowledge. I will miss his unselfish willingness to help others ! I can hear his voice so clearly and that is so special !

He lit a fire under all of us to be better, listen more, and to enjoy and laugh at the world.

Always encouraged me as a young dental student striving to become a pediatric dentist…whether it be a lecture, 5 minutes in the lab, or out eating some ribs in Memphis, I could always find a pearl in there somewhere that he would share. His contributions to our profession will always be remembered as well as his easy-going spirit. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.

Dr.Bell was my boss and one of the best. He will be truly missed. He had a way of putting a smile on your face in his own special way!!! RIP Karen Kennedy Rice

I am so sorry for your loss, Jane has told me so much about Ron and I know he was a remarkable loving man. God bless you all during this time of sadness.

Ron, Marti and Matt were friends and neighbors in Augusta years ago. I was sad when they moved to Charleston, even though I knew it was a better place. And I am sadder now to know he has moved on again, even though it is, again, to a better place. To Marti and Matt ... please know that Carters all over Georgia and Florida are thinking about you.

Ron wasn't only a great pediatric dental and orthodontic instructor, he was a connoisseur of great music, good food and good times. Anyone who was fortunate to spend time with him is a better person. A true mensch!!

Dr. Bell made an everlasting impact on so many of our lives. I am a better person to have had the chance to know and learn from him. He will be greatly missed and I hope we can live up to his incredible legacy of teaching by keeping his memory alive through his lectures.

Ron taught me as a resident at MCG, and I remember how well he bound orthodontics and pediatric dental specialties together. He was always eager to help us fledgling residents, and always had ample time for us. He was a joy to work with and will be missed.
David B. Carter, DMD
Augusta, Ga

The swift and good kick of swamp rock and roll, swig of hopped up beer or reassuring smile from a child who was at one time fearful of the dentist will remind all of us of Ron Bell. His noble spirit will live forever.