McKenzie: Bell, civic leader and entrepreneur, will be missed

It’s not always the people with power, fame or fortune who change the world around them.

Henry Harrison Bell, 84, an entrepreneur, civic leader and all around nice guy, died Monday after a life spent making a difference.

“He was one of those people that you just liked,” said friend Eugene Williams. “He was an entrepreneur, a businessman and very active in his community. He was concerned about people and especially the young people. He was a wonderful man.”

With his brother John and twin brother Raymond, Mr. Bell ran the J.F. Bell Funeral Home in downtown Charlottesville. Founded by their father, John Ferris Bell, the funeral home served the region’s black community in death and in life, friends recalled. The Bell home was often opened for charitable causes and church and civic events in the community. They sponsored a youth baseball team, supported church programs, the NAACP, local black publications, school events, sports teams and the alumni of the once all-black Jefferson High School.

In Charlottesville’s Jim Crow era — when segregation of everything from hotels, movie theaters and drink fountains was the land’s law — Mr. Bell used his position as a prominent black businessman to help out his community.

When white-owned taxis would not provide blacks with rides, he started his own business, Courtesy Cab, and provided the service.

In an era when most ambulance service was run by a hospital or funeral home, Mr. Bell created his own ambulance service to serve the black community and transport those folks to the hospital. He provided the service for nearly 40 years.

Quality Retail, his grocery store in the then-thriving black business district Vinegar Hill, stayed open late and offered credit before there were credit cards. When urban renewal knocked the Vinegar Hill community down, Mr. Bell moved the store to Fifth Street. He opened a hamburger stand. He served as the first president of the 21st Century Investment Club, the area’s first black investment club.

With his brothers and activists such as Drewary Brown, Alicia Lugo, Charles Barbour and Mr. Williams, Mr. Bell helped push for civil rights, including serving with the NAACP.

His businesses provided jobs for black youth, affordable services for adults and gave him the credibility to stand up for his community.

“He had a big influence in the everyday lives of people in the African-American community,” Mr. Williams said. “He was just so likable that people would listen to him. In every sense imaginable, he was superior in the art of human relations. I doubt that he had one enemy anywhere. He was just a great man. He filled needs when he saw them and he was a real help to those who needed it.”

Funeral services for Mr. Bell will be held at noon today at First Baptist Church, 632 W. Main St.

“There aren’t many like him left,” Mr. Williams said. “He really made a difference.”