A memorial service will be held at a later date and will be announced by Kinner & Stevens Funeral Home and Crematory of Jena.

He was born August 26, 1953, in Alexandria, LA to the union of Thomas Bell and Betty Cobbs Bell.

Rickey graduated from Jena High School in 1971. Prior to his graduation, he began working through his teenage years at the family-owned oil field supply store, LaSalle Pump and Supply Company, until the business sold. He continued to work in various facets of the oilfield supply and service business sector in South Louisiana, Texas, and Alaska.

“Blue Bell,” as he was known to his friends, was an avid hunter, fisherman, and outdoorsman. He loved the hunt for the “big buck” and spent decades duck hunting on Catahoula Lake in the “Blue Bell Blind.” His quick humor will be sadly missed by all his friends and hunting “buddies,” especially his best friend, Leonard.

Rickey was a loving son, brother, husband, and friend and his loving family has stated that, though they are devastated by this loss, they are comforted in knowing that Rickey is in a better place and he will be in their hearts forever.

He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, George and Nettie Cobbs; his paternal grandparents, Thomas and Martha Bell; and his father, Thomas Bell.

Rickey is survived by his mother, Betty Cobbs Bell of Jena; two sisters, Sue Morphis (Larry) of Jonesville, LA, and Judy Allbritton (Clyde) of Jena; one brother, David Bell of Monroe, LA; and a host of nieces and nephews, one of which he was especially thankful for, Lee Morphis.