Robert Harris Bell Sr., 82, Oakland Park Resident, Dies

Robert Harris Bell Sr., known to many as Bob, died Aug. 24, 2026, in Pompano Beach. He was 82.

Bell, a resident of South Florida since 2000, was born in Palmer, Tennessee. He spent his formative years in Chattanooga, Tennessee, often visiting his grandparents, Jay C. and Johnnie Harris, in Palmer during summers.

Bell moved to South Florida with his wife, Carolyn, in 2000.

Throughout his life, Bell centered his activities around his family and his faith. He was a member of the Church of Christ and modeled Christian values. He emphasized the importance of hard work through his career with Combustion Engineering/ABB, Ason Neumag, and as the business owner of American Insurance Agency. Bell earned a bachelor’s degree in engineering from the University of Tennessee Chattanooga.

Bell enjoyed spending time with his family, fishing, following UT football and basketball, traveling, and NASCAR. He also served as a leader with the Boy Scouts, worked with plants, and enjoyed grilling and baking sourdough bread.

He is survived by his wife, Carolyn S. Bell; his son, Robert (Rob) H. Bell Jr.; his daughter, Karen C. Bell Workinger, and her husband, Will; his sister, Janice B. Moller (Anders); and his brother, Joe W. Bell (Sherri). He also leaves behind grandchildren Austin T. Hernandez, Garrett R. Bell (Carina), Kyleigh M. Hernandez, Reagan P. Bell, and Lexi L. Forman.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents Jay C. Harris, Johnnie Harris, William Bell, and Lucille Bell; his father, Eugene R. Bell; his mother, Cathleen Bell; and his sister, Charlotte Brooks.

The family held a private celebration of life Sept. 19. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital or the Wounded Warrior Project.