Francis Bell Obituary

LANCASTER, SC – Mr. Francis Laney Bell, Jr., age 82, passed away Thursday, July 3, 2025. He was born May 21, 1943, in Lancaster, the son of the late Francis Laney Bell, Sr. and the late Mary Alice "Sis" Jones Bell and was the loving husband of Deborah West Bell. Francis was a 1961 graduate of Lancaster High School, he graduated from Clemson University in 1966 and the University of South Carolina Law School in 1969. After graduation, Francis, a born leader and patriot, served on active duty during the Vietnam era in the U.S. Army at Fort Benning, Georgia, where he rose to the rank of Captain in the Infantry.

Following his separation from the Army, he returned home in 1972 and began his 53-year practice of law with D. Glenn Yarborough and Will Tindal until Mr. Yarborough's death in 1979. At that time, he and Will formed a law firm, which later included Robin Page Weeks, and the firm operated for the next 30 years. In 2012, he formed the Francis Bell Law Firm, LLC which continued until his death. He was a former president of the Lancaster County Bar Association, a Founding Member of the South Carolina Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and proudly served as Judge Advocate for American Legion Post 31.

Francis was considered Lancaster county's premier "trial lawyer" of his generation. His longtime law partner, Will, often said without exaggeration: "Francis has tried more cases than all of the other lawyers in Lancaster County combined." He was completely fearless and a fierce, aggressive advocate for his clients and their interests. His cross-examination skills are legendary. While he was highly successful in civil practice, Francis is probably best remembered for his criminal defense practice. For more than 50 years, he was a member of the South Carolina Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and known throughout South Carolina. He was truly a friend to the downtrodden, voiceless, and "wrongly accused," using his talents to give them a voice and a defense. His advice was heard on the "street" repeated by people who were not even his clients: "Francis Bell says don't talk." For several years Lancaster County magistrates would periodically have what was called "Francis Bell Weeks" during which, for a week or two, he was the only defense lawyer involved and tried cases back-to-back-to-back, day after day after day. He was a lawyer's lawyer, always willing to answer questions and mentor younger, less experienced lawyers in the county, many of whom aspired to be like him. He was "one of a kind" and bigger than life. It can honestly be said that he had a love affair with the law to which he devoted nearly all his life.

Francis was an avid boater, loved the lake and the coast, enjoyed riding horses, and was a race car driver where he was a winner in the Street Division at the Lancaster Motor Speedway. Francis served as a South Carolina State Senator and was chairman of the Lancaster County Council. He was a Master Mason and a Shriner for 46 years in addition to being a 50-year member of the Moose Club.

Francis is survived by his wife of 40 years, Deborah Bell; his three children, Francis "Lane" Bell III, and his wife Kim, Wiley Craig Bell, and his wife Jennifer, and West Clyburn Bell, and his wife, Lauren; his four grandchildren, Barron, Bret, Eugenia, and Charles; his brother, Ira Jones Bell, and his wife, Judy; and many special family members and friends.

He was preceded in death by his grandson, Wiley "Mac" Bell; and his parents, Sis and Francis Bell.

The Celebration of Life Graveside Service for Francis will be 11:00 am Thursday, July 10, 2025 at Lancaster Memorial Park officiated by Pastor Rev. Dr. David Leininger.

In lieu of flowers, for those who wish, memorial contributions may be made to Liberty Hill Presbyterian Church, 18 Meeting Ln, Liberty Hill, SC 29074.

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