Dickey Bell - Photo Archive

William “Dickey” Bell — First Grade Report Card, Erwin School, 1962–1963

First-grade report card for William “Dickey” Bell from Erwin School, Lancaster City Schools, Lancaster, South Carolina, for the 1962–1963 school year. His teacher was Nancy L. Graham, and the principal was Mrs. T. K. Cunningham. At the end of the year, Dickey was assigned to second grade. Dickey earned A grades in Arithmetic, Reading, Writing, Science, and Health, with a final citizenship grade of B. The report records 180 days present, no absences, and no tardies for the school year. His habits and attitudes were marked satisfactory in nearly every category, including completing his work, following directions, respecting others, working independently, and caring for books and property. The one recurring area marked “Needs Improvement” was controlling talking and whispering. The report card contains several parent signatures of James S. Bell, providing an additional family record connected with Dickey's elementary-school years.

William “Dickey” Bell — First Grade Report Card, Erwin School, 1962–1963

First-grade report card for William “Dickey” Bell from Erwin School, Lancaster City Schools, Lancaster, South Carolina, for the 1962–1963 school year. His teacher was Nancy L. Graham, and the principal was Mrs. T. K. Cunningham. At the end of the year, Dickey was assigned to second grade. Dickey earned A grades in Arithmetic, Reading, Writing, Science, and Health, with a final citizenship grade of B. The report records 180 days present, no absences, and no tardies for the school year. His habits and attitudes were marked satisfactory in nearly every category, including completing his work, following directions, respecting others, working independently, and caring for books and property. The one recurring area marked “Needs Improvement” was controlling talking and whispering. The report card contains several parent signatures of James S. Bell, providing an additional family record connected with Dickey's elementary-school years.

Farm League Tigers Defeat Dickey Bell’s Yankees, 18–12

Newspaper article reporting a Farm League baseball game at Hunter Field in which the Tigers defeated the Yankees, 18–12. The Tigers, managed by Don Scott and Dick Richards, earned their second consecutive victory after losing their first eleven games. Joe Simpson was the winning pitcher, while Sam Thomas, Randy Watts, and Gary Powell led the Tigers at the plate. Ray Bowers and Larry Blackwell were the leading Yankee hitters. The Yankees were coached by Bob Ackerman. Following the loss, the coaches and team were invited to Dickey Bell’s home, where they were treated to hot dogs to “soothe aching souls and wounded pride.”

Farm League Yankees Close Out Season — Dickey Bell Hosts Team Party

Newspaper article describing the final weeks of the Farm League Yankees' baseball season. The Yankees defeated the Red Sox 2–1 on Tuesday and defeated the Tigers twice, 4–0 on Wednesday and 6–2 on Thursday. On Wednesday night, Dickey Bell hosted a hot dog party at his home for the Yankees. Following Thursday's game, the team celebrated Ronnie Rogers' surprise birthday with Pepsi, cake, and ice cream. The article also records several team outings organized by Coach Bob Ackerman. On June 26, he took the players to Charlotte, North Carolina, to watch live championship wrestling at WBTV. The Yankees then planned a trip to Atlanta on July 6 and 7 to see the Atlanta Braves play.

William “Dickey” Bell — Third Grade Report Card, Erwin School, 1964–1965

Third-grade report card for William “Dickey” Bell from Erwin School, Lancaster City Schools, Lancaster, South Carolina, for the 1964–1965 school year. His teacher was Gladys R. Sims. At the completion of the school year, Dickey was assigned to fourth grade. Dickey had an exceptionally strong academic year, earning A's throughout the year in Arithmetic, Reading, Language, Writing, Spelling, Social Studies, Science, and Health. His year-end marks in these academic subjects were all A's. Citizenship was also consistently graded A. The report records 180 days present with no absences, giving Dickey perfect attendance for the school year. His habits and attitudes were marked satisfactory throughout, including courtesy, attentiveness, working independently, respecting authority, completing assignments, and working well with others. The report card contains repeated parent signatures of James S. Bell, including a more formal signature on the final report.

William “Dickey” Bell — Third Grade Report Card, Erwin School, 1964–1965

Third-grade report card for William “Dickey” Bell from Erwin School, Lancaster City Schools, Lancaster, South Carolina, for the 1964–1965 school year. His teacher was Gladys R. Sims. At the completion of the school year, Dickey was assigned to fourth grade. Dickey had an exceptionally strong academic year, earning A's throughout the year in Arithmetic, Reading, Language, Writing, Spelling, Social Studies, Science, and Health. His year-end marks in these academic subjects were all A's. Citizenship was also consistently graded A. The report records 180 days present with no absences, giving Dickey perfect attendance for the school year. His habits and attitudes were marked satisfactory throughout, including courtesy, attentiveness, working independently, respecting authority, completing assignments, and working well with others. The report card contains repeated parent signatures of James S. Bell, including a more formal signature on the final report.

William “Dickey” Bell — Fourth Grade Report Card, Erwin School, 1965–1966

Fourth-grade report card for William “Dickey” Bell from Erwin School, Lancaster City Schools, Lancaster, South Carolina, for the 1965–1966 school year. His teacher was Julia R. Beckham. At the end of the school year, Dickey was promoted to fifth grade. Dickey continued to perform strongly academically, receiving predominantly A and B grades in Arithmetic, Reading, Language, Writing, Spelling, Social Studies/Geography, Science, and Health. His attendance was excellent, with the report showing 180 days present for the school year. The habits-and-attitudes section contains the handwritten teacher comment “Talks too much”. Early reporting periods also show areas needing improvement in interrupting, neatness, and attentiveness, with improvement evident later in the year. The report card contains several signatures of his father, James Stewart Bell Jr. The final report includes the humorous handwritten parental comment “That’s a laugh!” followed by his BROTHER's full signature.

William “Dickey” Bell — Fourth Grade Report Card, Erwin School, 1965–1966

Fourth-grade report card for William “Dickey” Bell from Erwin School, Lancaster City Schools, Lancaster, South Carolina, for the 1965–1966 school year. His teacher was Julia R. Beckham. At the end of the school year, Dickey was promoted to fifth grade. Dickey continued to perform strongly academically, receiving predominantly A and B grades in Arithmetic, Reading, Language, Writing, Spelling, Social Studies/Geography, Science, and Health. His attendance was excellent, with the report showing 180 days present for the school year. The habits-and-attitudes section contains the handwritten teacher comment “Talks too much”. Early reporting periods also show areas needing improvement in interrupting, neatness, and attentiveness, with improvement evident later in the year. The report card contains several signatures of his father, James Stewart Bell Jr. The final report includes the humorous handwritten parental comment “That’s a laugh!” followed by his BROTHER's full signature.

Dickey Bell’s Fourth Grade Class – 1967

School class photograph dated May 10, 1967, belonging to William “Dickey” Bell, age 10. The photograph preserves Dickey’s handwritten list identifying his classmates and teachers. Dickey is listed in the third row along with the other members of his class, making the photograph an especially valuable record of his elementary school years in Lancaster.

Dickey Bell Wins Second Place in Soil & Water Conservation Essay Contest — March 21, 1968

Award check issued to Dickey Bell on March 21, 1968, for winning second place in an essay contest sponsored by the Lancaster Soil & Water Conservation District in Lancaster, South Carolina. The $10.00 check was drawn on The Bank of Lancaster and signed by James M. Kirk, Treasurer of the Lancaster Soil & Water Conservation District.

Dickey Bell Receives Statewide Honorable Mention in Conservation Essay Contest — May 27, 1968

Award check issued to Dickey Bell on May 27, 1968, recognizing his achievement in a statewide Soil and Water Conservation essay contest. Dickey was named one of fifteen Honorable Mention winners statewide and received a $5.00 award. The check was issued through The Bank of Lancaster by the Lancaster Soil & Water Conservation District and signed by James M. Kirk, Treasurer. This award followed Dickey's earlier second-place local essay contest award on March 21, 1968, for which he received $10. His essay therefore advanced beyond the Lancaster competition and earned recognition at the statewide level.

Lancaster High JROTC “Crack Drill Team” – Dickey Bell – 1972

Newspaper article featuring Lancaster High School’s Junior ROTC precision drill team. Dickey Bell is pictured in the front row and identified as the team’s only freshman. The article describes the team’s precision marching and rifle-handling demonstration and notes the cadets’ dedication, cooperation, and after-school practice. The team was advised by Sgt. Bob West and performed for schools and community organizations throughout the Lancaster area.

Lancaster High JROTC Drill Team – March 1972

March 2, 1972 Lancaster News photograph showing members of Lancaster High School’s Junior ROTC “crack” drill team during a match. The caption praises the team’s performance under adviser Sgt. Bob West, noting that the unit had done an outstanding job during the year. Dickey Bell was a member of the Lancaster High JROTC drill team during this period.

Dickey Bell’s South Carolina Highway Patrol Summons – 1972

South Carolina State Highway Patrol summons issued to William Richard “Dickey” Bell on December 16, 1972, while he was a student in Lancaster. The citation lists the offense as failure to yield right of way on S.C. Highway 521 in Lancaster County. The vehicle, a 1972 Dodge, was owned by his father, James S. Bell. The document provides a small glimpse into Dickey’s teenage years and was preserved among his personal papers.

Dickey Bell’s Excessive Noise Summons – 1973

City of Lancaster summons issued to William Richard “Dickey” Bell on June 22, 1973, for excessive noise while driving on Highway 521 in Lancaster. Dickey was a student at the time, and the 1970 Ford he was driving was owned by his father, James S. Bell. The citation is a fun surviving piece of Dickey’s teenage years—and suggests that quiet driving may not have been one of his priorities.

Dickey Bell Receives Superior Junior Cadet Decoration – 1973

U.S. Department of the Army citation awarded to Cadet First Sergeant William Richard “Dickey” Bell of Lancaster High School JROTC for the 1972–73 academic year. Dickey received the Superior Junior Cadet Decoration Award in recognition of being the outstanding cadet in his class. The citation was issued by direction of the Secretary of the Army and signed by Lt. Gen. Melvin Zais, Commander of the Third United States Army.

Dickey Bell and Lancaster High JROTC Drill Team Take Second in Southeast – 1972

1972 Lancaster News article celebrating Lancaster High School’s Junior ROTC Drill Team after winning second place among 32 teams at the Ninth Annual Regional Drill Meet in Atlanta, Georgia. Cadet First Sergeant William “Dickey” Bell also earned sixth place in basic individual drill. Bell is pictured with his fellow drill team members following the strong regional showing.

Lancaster High JROTC Earns Army Honor Unit Award – 1973

May 9, 1973 issue of Lancaster High School’s The Spotlight reports that the JROTC Department received the Army Honor Unit Award with Distinction for the third consecutive year. The article also highlights the “Golden Knights” drill team’s success at the Southeastern Drill Meet in Atlanta, where the team earned several trophies. Dickey Bell won sixth place in individual basic drill, competing against 60 other cadets.

Dickey Bell Receives Second Superior Junior Cadet Decoration – 1974

U.S. Department of the Army citation awarded to Cadet Lieutenant Colonel William Richard “Dickey” Bell for the 1973–74 academic year. This was Dickey’s second consecutive Superior Junior Cadet Decoration, recognizing him as the outstanding cadet in his Military Training class. The award capped his senior year in Lancaster High School JROTC, where he served as Cadet Battalion Commander and was a leader of the school’s drill team.

Congressman Tom S. Gettys Nominates Dickey Bell to West Point – 1974

January 25, 1974 letter from U.S. Congressman Tom S. Gettys confirming that he had nominated William Richard “Dickey” Bell as a principal appointee to the United States Military Academy at West Point. Gettys was responding to Carl F. Horten of Springs Mills, who had written in support of Dickey. The letter expresses Gettys’ hope that Dickey would qualify physically and academically for admission later that year. A handwritten note adds a personal endorsement of Dickey as a “fine young man from an equally fine family.”

Dickey’s National Rifle Association Marksmanship Qualification Course certificate, earned through Lancaster JROTC at Lancaster High School. The certificate records William Bell as qualified as Pro-Marksman on the 50-foot official NRA course and is dated January 28, 1974. MSG George Quinn is listed as instructor.

Caption from the Tenth Annual Southeastern Drill Meet held March 23, 1974 at Grady Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia. Thirty teams from the Southeast competed. Dickey is identified as “Cadet LTC Dickey Bell, Lancaster HS, Lancaster, SC” and as the 4th-place winner. Photo credited to Frank Stokan, DAC Photo Branch, Ft. McPherson, Georgia.

Dickey Bell Wins Fourth Place at Southeastern JROTC Drill Meet – 1974

April 22, 1974 Lancaster News photograph showing Cadet Lt. Col. Dickey Bell of Lancaster High School receiving his trophy after placing fourth at the Tenth Annual Southeastern Drill Meet at Atlanta’s Grady Stadium. Thirty teams from across the Southeast competed for team and individual honors. Bell is pictured being congratulated by Capt. Regis W. Davis as Lt. Col. P. P. Terrell Jr. looks on.

Dickey Bell Nominated to Three U.S. Service Academies – 1974

June 25, 1974 Lancaster News article announcing that William “Dickey” Bell, a recent Lancaster High School graduate, had received nominations to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, U.S. Naval Academy, and U.S. Air Force Academy. The article highlights his 12 years of perfect school attendance, four years in JROTC, service as Cadet Battalion Commander and co-captain of the drill team, and numerous ROTC honors. Despite the three service academy nominations, the article notes that Dickey was partial to attending The Citadel.

William Richard “Dickey” Bell Admitted to The Citadel – Class of 1978

Official admission certificate from The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina, granting William Richard “Dickey” Bell admission to the South Carolina Corps of Cadets as a member of the Class of 1978. After graduating from Lancaster High School and receiving nominations to three U.S. service academies, Dickey chose The Citadel in Charleston to continue his education and military training.

William Richard Bell and Deborah Lynne Faulkenberry Marriage Certificate – 1974

Official Lancaster County, South Carolina, marriage certificate for William Richard “Dickey” Bell and Deborah Lynne Faulkenberry. Both were 18 years old when they applied for their marriage license on August 15, 1974, and were married by Clyde Runion on August 16, 1974. This certified copy was issued by the Lancaster County Probate Court on August 7, 2026.

Dickey Bell South Carolina Highway Patrol Warning – 1976

South Carolina State Highway Patrol warning issued to William Richard “Dickey” Bell on September 3, 1976, in Lancaster County. Dickey was driving a 1971 Ford on Highway 521 when he received a warning for driving too fast for conditions or speeding. The document is another surviving piece from Dickey’s early driving years.

Dickey Bell South Carolina Highway Patrol Speeding Warning – 1982

South Carolina State Highway Patrol warning issued to William Richard “Dickey” Bell on April 10, 1982, in Lancaster County. Dickey was driving a 1979 Dodge on Highway 9 when he received a warning for speeding or driving too fast for conditions. The warning was issued by Patrolman M. E. Johnson and is another surviving piece documenting Dickey’s driving history.

Circa Summer 1983

Rickey was born March 6, 1975, making him eight that summer—consistent with his appearance. Dickey would have been 26–27 and Sonja 23, also matching. Rickey closely matches his other 1983 school portraits. He looks noticeably older in the 1984 photos and younger in the 1982 photos.

Dickey Bell – Limestone College Grade Point Record – 1985

Limestone College grade point computation record for William Richard “Dickey” Bell, completed through the final semester of Spring 1985. The record shows 120 total credit hours and a cumulative grade point ratio of approximately 3.65. It also documents 26 transfer hours from the University of South Carolina, reflecting Dickey’s continued college education and academic achievement.

William Richard “Dickey” Bell Earns Bachelor of Science from Limestone College – 1985

Limestone College diploma awarded to William Richard “Dickey” Bell on May 4, 1985, conferring the degree of Bachelor of Science. Dickey graduated Cum Laude, recognizing his academic achievement while completing his degree at Limestone College in Gaffney, South Carolina.

William Richard “Dickey” Bell Graduates Cum Laude from Limestone College – 1985

Limestone College commencement honors listing recognizing William Richard “Dickey” Bell as a Cum Laude graduate. The honor reflects Dickey’s strong academic performance while completing his college degree, following earlier studies at the University of South Carolina.

Dickey Bell Completes Wall Street Seminar in New York City – 1987

Certificate awarded to William “Dickey” Bell by the Washington Workshops Foundation on June 13, 1987, recognizing his completion of the Wall Street Seminar on the American Free Enterprise System in New York City. The program provided participants with an educational look at Wall Street, business, finance, and the American free enterprise system.

Dickey Bell Inducted into Beta Gamma Sigma – 1990

Certificate recognizing William Richard “Dickey” Bell for his selection into Beta Gamma Sigma, the honor society for collegiate schools of business, in recognition of high scholastic achievement. Dickey was inducted through the Winthrop College Chapter on December 4, 1990, marking another significant academic achievement in his continuing education.

William Richard “Dickey” Bell Earns MBA from Winthrop College – 1990

Winthrop College diploma awarded to William Richard “Dickey” Bell on December 15, 1990, conferring the degree of Master of Business Administration (MBA). The graduate degree marked another major academic achievement for Dickey, following his Bachelor of Science degree from Limestone College and his induction into Beta Gamma Sigma, the collegiate business honor society.

William Richard “Dickey” Bell and Sonja Lynn Barnett Marriage Certificate – 1994

Official Lancaster County, South Carolina, marriage certificate for William Richard “Dickey” Bell and Sonja Lynn Barnett. The couple applied for their marriage license on July 25, 1994, and were married on August 7, 1994, by William A. Dysard Jr. The document records the marriage of Dickey and Sonja after many years together and was certified by the Lancaster County Probate Court in 2026.

Technical Solutions – Bell Family Business – 1998

July 26, 1998 Lancaster News feature on Technical Solutions, a Lancaster business equipment and computer company founded October 14, 1996, by Ricky Bell, Stephanie Bell, and Dickey Bell. The company sold and serviced Sharp copiers and fax machines and provided custom-built computers, networking, upgrades, and computer repair. The article also lists Ricky Bell as a service technician and Debbie Phillips as a member of the sales staff.

Dickey Bell – Carolina Sportsman Gun Range Membership – 2001

Carolina Sportsman Gun Range family membership card for William Richard “Dickey” Bell. The range was located on Highway 274 in Rock Hill, South Carolina. The card, which expired December 30, 2001, is a surviving keepsake documenting one of Dickey’s recreational interests.

Dickey Bell’s Work Cubicle at Springs Industries – Early 2000s

Photographs of William Richard “Dickey” Bell’s work cubicle at Springs Industries, where he worked in information systems and customer service. His workspace was filled with family photographs, academic and professional mementos, and awards collected over the years. Prominently displayed was his Springs Industries Twenty-Five Year Club certificate honoring his service since 1977. The photographs provide a personal look at Dickey’s workplace and the long career he built with Springs.

Dickey Bell’s Work Cubicle at Springs Industries – Early 2000s

Photographs of William Richard “Dickey” Bell’s work cubicle at Springs Industries, where he worked in information systems and customer service. His workspace was filled with family photographs, academic and professional mementos, and awards collected over the years. Prominently displayed was his Springs Industries Twenty-Five Year Club certificate honoring his service since 1977. The photographs provide a personal look at Dickey’s workplace and the long career he built with Springs.

Dickey Bell’s Work Cubicle at Springs Industries – Early 2000s

Photographs of William Richard “Dickey” Bell’s work cubicle at Springs Industries, where he worked in information systems and customer service. His workspace was filled with family photographs, academic and professional mementos, and awards collected over the years. Prominently displayed was his Springs Industries Twenty-Five Year Club certificate honoring his service since 1977. The photographs provide a personal look at Dickey’s workplace and the long career he built with Springs.

Dickey Bell Named ArrowPointe Support Staff of the Year – 2016

Spring 2016 issue of ArrowPointe Federal Credit Union’s To the Pointe newsletter recognizing William “Dickey” Bell, Systems Operator, as Support Staff of the Year. The award was presented during the credit union’s 2015 Annual Meeting and recognized Dickey’s work and contributions to ArrowPointe. He is featured prominently in the newsletter alongside the other annual award recipients.

Dickey and Rickey Bell Win Credit Union Magic Minute Shopping Spree – 2016

December 7, 2016 Lancaster News feature about William “Dickey” Bell, one of seven winners nationwide in the Credit Union Magic Minute sweepstakes. Dickey and his shopping partner, Rickey Bell, traveled to Chicago for a 60-second shopping spree, racing to fill an oversized cart with merchandise including laptops, tablets, HDTVs, and home appliances. The photograph shows Rickey, left, and Dickey, right, with their winnings after the event.

Dickey Bell Drives His New Lawn Mower Home from Home Depot – 2019

June 17, 2019 video of William “Dickey” Bell picking up his new riding lawn mower from Home Depot. Rather than hauling it home on a trailer, Dickey chose a more memorable solution—he simply climbed aboard and drove the lawn mower home himself. A fun moment that captures Dickey’s personality and his practical approach to getting things done.

Dickey Bell Digging the Hair

A lighthearted photo of William “Dickey” Bell at work, having a little fun while wearing a long black wig. Dickey appears to be thoroughly “digging the hair,” capturing the sense of humor and playful personality he brought to the workplace.

A saved voicemail from William Richard “Dickey” Bell from September 11, 2025. More than just an everyday phone message, the recording preserves something photographs cannot—Dickey’s voice, personality, and the familiar way he spoke. A special piece of the family archive.

William Richard “Dickey” Bell Sr. Death Certificate – 2026

Official State of South Carolina death certification for William Richard “Dickey” Bell Sr., who died at his home in Lancaster on July 1, 2026, at age 69. The certificate records his birth on August 15, 1956, identifies his parents as James Stewart Bell Jr. and Alma Tharp, and lists his wife, Sonja Barnett Bell, as the informant. The document serves as the official vital record of Dickey’s death and was issued by the South Carolina Department of Public Health on July 20, 2026.

William Richard “Dickey” Bell Sr. Obituary – 2026

July 8, 2026 Lancaster News obituary for William Richard “Dickey” Bell Sr., 69, of Lancaster, South Carolina, who died July 1, 2026. Born August 15, 1956, Dickey was the son of James Stewart “Buster” Bell Jr. and Alma Tharp Bell and brother of James Stewart “Spooky” Bell III. He was a member of the Church of the Good Shepherd and was survived by his wife, Sonja Barnett Bell, his son Rickey Bell and wife Stephanie, two grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.

William Richard “Dickey” Bell Sr. Obituary – 2026

July 8, 2026 Lancaster News obituary for William Richard “Dickey” Bell Sr., 69, of Lancaster, South Carolina, who died July 1, 2026. Born August 15, 1956, Dickey was the son of James Stewart “Buster” Bell Jr. and Alma Tharp Bell and brother of James Stewart “Spooky” Bell III. He was a member of the Church of the Good Shepherd and was survived by his wife, Sonja Barnett Bell, his son Rickey Bell and wife Stephanie, two grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.