Harvey Carroll Bell

 BELL JR., HARVEY CARROLL (1917 ~ 2008). The following is an obituary for Harvey Carroll "Dulie" Bell Jr., former Member of the Board of Regents, Texas A & M University System. The obituary was published in the October 11, 2008 edition of the Austin American Statesman.

"Harvey Carroll Bell, Jr. (Dulie) passed away on Friday, October 10, 2008. He was born on June 27, 1917, in Caldwell, Texas. His parents were Mozelle Duckworth Bell and Harvey Carroll Bell, Sr., and he was the eldest of their three sons. Dulie led a long and wonderful life, and he was predeceased by his parents; his wife, Ruth Ryan Bell and his two brothers, John and Hal Bell. He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Carolyn and John Sharkey of Austin; his granddaughter and her husband, Sara and Mark Walker of Mill Valley, California; a lovingly anticipated great-granddaughter in November and four nieces and two nephews.

Dulie graduated from CaldwellHigh School in 1935, worked his way through TexasA&MUniversity and graduated in 1939 with a Bachelor of Arts degree. During World War II, he proudly served his country in the Normandy Invasion at OmahaBeach as an infantry commander. He was seriously wounded in France on June 9, 1944, and his only daughter was also born in Austin on this day. After a two-year recovery, he retired from the Army with the rank of Major. For his service and valor he received the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart, the European-African-Middle East Campaign Medal, the WWII Victory Medal, the American Campaign Medal and the Medal of Jubilee for Liberty from France for the Normandy Invasion.

He founded Central Texas Equipment Company in 1946 with his hometown friend, the late Joe M. Teague, and served as President of the construction equipment firm for over 50 years. He also was a tireless volunteer for the city of Austin. During his active years, he was on the Board of Directors of Austin National Bank, President of the Salvation Army, President of the Austin Chamber of Commerce, President of the Capital City A&M Club and President of the Headliner's Club. He was also involved in providing better transportation for his city by seeing that the Mopac freeway became a reality by serving as Co¬Chair for the Citizens for the Mopac Highway. Dulie also served as the first Chairman of the Board for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority and as President of AARO in 1986. Because of his many contributions to his city, he was selected by the Counseling and Pastoral Care Center as one of the outstanding citizens of Austin in 1985.

Dulie dearly loved his alma mater, TexasA&MUniversity, and was appointed as a Regent to the Texas A&M University System by Governor and good friend, Preston Smith in 1971 and re-appointed for a second term by another good friend, Governor Dolph Briscoe. He capably served his university for 12 years, and much of A&M's growth was due to his leadership as Chairman of the Planning and Building Committee. He also served as a director on the board of the Heep Foundation for many years.

A close second to Dulie's love for A&M was his love of the outdoors. He was an avid hunter and fisherman and shared many wonderful times with his friends in the pursuit of wild game and exotic fish. He completed his Grand Slam in North American sheep in 1973 and enjoyed every minute he spent in the wild.

Our father and grandfather was a strong, courageous and honest man...and also a true individual. We will forever miss him, but are comforted in knowing that he is finally at peace, free from pain and enjoying Heaven's best fishing hole and its nearest deer blind!

Graveside services will be held at the TexasStateCemetery at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, October 14, 2008.

Honorary pallbearers are Jimmy Bond, Lewis Bracy, Frank Covert, Clyde Crow, Frank Denius, Dr. Charles Felger, Tom Johnson, Buddy Keller, Kerry Merritt, Charles Nash, Chuck Nash, Dr. Bill Ramsdell, Dick Rathgeber and Rick Rychlik.

Dulie's family is especially grateful to Dr. Mary Maxwell, Hospice Austin and Shelley Baker and to all of his caregivers for their kindness and support while caring for our father and grandfather.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice Austin, 4107 Spicewood Springs Road, Suite 100, Austin, TX78759, The Salvation Army, 501 East 8th Street, Austin, TX78701 or the charity of one's choice.

Gig'em Aggies our dear soldier and patriot, Dulie!"

Further information is available through the Texas State Cemetery research department.