John William Bell Jr.

John William Bell Jr. (Bill), 89, of Asheville passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on March 8th, 2024 following a brief illness. He was born on February 27, 1935, in Lattimore, NC, and the son of the late John William and Mary Williamson Bell. Bill grew up in the small town of Lattimore. He was extremely proud of his Cleveland County roots, loving family, and cherished friendships from his youth. Bill’s father was a successful entrepreneur who mentored him in the art of effectively managing different lines of business. Bill was a skilled athlete in both basketball and baseball playing second base and center field for the two-time state championship Shelby American Legion team. Following graduation as class salutatorian, Bill enrolled at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill receiving both an academic and athletic scholarship for baseball. He played for legendary Carolina baseball coach Walter Rabb in the infield and much enjoyed his time in Chapel Hill. While at Chapel Hill Bill married the love of his life, Janis Elam from Shelby. He later attended Gardner Webb College and studied Business Management. Bill’s professional career began in Lattimore when he founded a small men’s store called Bell’s College Corner focusing on what was then referred to as the Ivy League Look; button-down dress shirts, khaki pants, and Bass Weejuns. While a little off the beaten path, Bill’s attention to detail and competitive pricing generated customers. He also routinely held special trunk shows in fraternity houses at select colleges and universities. In the early 1960s, Bill was blessed with a growing family, and it became apparent that he needed to operate in a larger retail market. In 1963, Bell’s Traditionals opened in Asheville’s Biltmore Village. Bill experienced ongoing success and eventually expanded his men’s operation to include ladies, gifts, and outdoor. Locating his business in Biltmore Village at a low point in its history, with some of the historic buildings being lost to redevelopment and others deteriorating and risking being demolished, Bill became passionate about preserving the history of Biltmore Village and bringing it back to the grandeur of the Vanderbilt era. In the 1980s Bill started working with architect Robert Griffin and other merchants to have Biltmore Village designated as a historic district. With tremendous effort this was accomplished in 1988, thus preserving the historic buildings and paving the way for what has become the renowned Historic Biltmore Village it is today. In 2018 Bill received the Sondley Award by the Preservation Society of Asheville and Buncombe County for his preservation accomplishments in Biltmore Village. Bill’s company evolved into Biltmore Property Group (BPG). BPG and its affiliates eventually became Jos. A. Bank's largest franchisee, Lilly Pultitzer’s largest licensee, and a Ruth’s Chris Steak House franchisee. In real estate, BPG owns and operates commercial properties in five states. Bill had a special affection and relationship with his employees, many of whom have been with the company for decades. Bill considered them part of his family. As a tribute to Bill’s career, the company opened J.W. Bell men’s clothing in Biltmore Village in the spring of 2023. Bill enjoyed spending his afternoons at the store visiting with employees and customers. Bill was a loving husband, father, doting grandfather, and great grandfather, who was very proud of everyone in his large family. He and his wife Jan were faithful members of First Presbyterian Church and Bill served as an elder for many years. In addition, he served on the Gardner Webb University Board of Trustees, a member of Rhododendron Royal Brigade of Guards, a member of the Biltmore Forest Country Club, and a founding member of the Lattimore Museum. Bill treasured his travels to England and Scotland with Jan and collecting antiques. He loved beach trips with grandchildren and great-grandchildren and boating at Lake Lure. He also took pride in his vegetable garden and enjoyed sharing his bounty with friends. He is predeceased by his wife, Janis Elam Bell, his sister Marca Bell Colbert, and brothers Robert Brian and Steven Carl Bell. Bill is survived by his four children and their spouses: Julie and Douglas Wilkins of Hickory, NC; John and Heidi Bell, Jenny and Byrd Rawlings, and Jeff and Stephanie Bell, all of Asheville, NC. Also surviving him are thirteen grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. A celebration of life will be held at 2:00 pm on Wednesday, March 13th, 2024 at First Presbyterian Church, Asheville, NC. The family will receive friends in the sanctuary from 1:00 until 1:45 PM prior to the service. Interment will follow at Calvary Episcopal Church in Fletcher, NC. Bill’s family wants to express their sincere gratitude to Nancy Hensley, Jerry Medrano, Angela Grimmitt, Tracy Roberts, and Teresa Christenberry who all provided wonderful and loving support. Many thanks are also extended to the physicians and staff of Four Seasons Hospice. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to First Presbyterian Church, 40 Church Street, Asheville, NC 28801, or Lattimore Historical Society, PO Box 126, Lattimore, NC 28089 in his honor. Arrangements are by Morris Funeral & Cremation Care, 304 Merrimon Avenue, Asheville, NC. Please feel free to share condolences online at www.leacy.com or www.morrisfamilycaregroup.com.

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John William Bell Jr.

February 27, 1935 - March 8, 2024