Maurice "Sandy" Emanuel

Bell

Maurice “Sandy” Emanuel Bell, of Vestavia Hills, Alabama passed away peacefully surrounded by family on November 11, 2026.

Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on June 20, 1940, Sandy was a graduate of Auburn University with a double major in Forestry and Electrical Engineering. He was a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon social fraternity. He began his career at Alabama Power and transitioned into the steel industry with KSM and Erico products respectively. He later started his own business Studs and Anchors, Inc supplying steel supplies and installations for various commercial projects across the Southeast. He was most proud of his engineering work on the sphere at Epcot, Walt Disney World. For more than 45 years, he was not only known for his ability to sell, but his ability to service his customers. He knew many of his customers for decades and considered all of them friends.

Sandy is preceded in death by his mother, Margaret Lucille McFarlin Bell, his father, Morris Emmanuel Bell, his brother, Charles “Corky” Eli Bell, and his half siblings, Richard “Sonny” Fox, Marjorie Fox Cameron, and Eleanor Fox Fingar.

Sandy is survived by the love of his life, his wife of sixty-three years, Joan Ramsey Bell. He is survived by his three daughters Janet Bell Maxwell (Eric), Jennifer Bell-Tate (Milton), Julie Summerford (Adam), and his two grandchildren: Gregory and Jordan Crook. And he is survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

Sandy had a big personality and could tell amazing stories. He rarely met a stranger and would strike up a conversation with any and everyone. He formed so many wonderful friendships throughout his life and he truly cherished his friends.

Sandy had a love for the Lord that he shared with his precious wife, Joan. He was an active member of Briarwood Presbyterian Church. He was a great example of faith to his daughters, grandchildren, and those that knew him. He was a proud Scottish Right Mason, a member of the Shrine, Greeters and Jesters. All of these organizations raised money to benefit pediatric hospital networks for children. He was also a charter member of the Rotary Club of Roebuck, the Optimist Club and Toastmasters.

Sandy had a passion for many sports; hunting, fishing, golfing and of course Auburn Football. He was proud to be a Scholarship Donor and contributor to Auburn Athletics and Auburn University for more than 60 years.

We would like to recognize the love and care he received from our caregivers; Carolyn, Kecia, Whitney, Whitley, Tiana and Bridget. Their loving touch and kindness helped immensely with his transition into heaven.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Shriner’s Hospital for Children or the Big Oak Ranch.

Friends and family are invited to a Celebration of Life at Briarwood Presbyterian in the Chapel on November 16, 2026, at 1 p.m.

2200 Briarwood Way

Birmingham, AL 35243