Frederick Charles Bell

Many of our biking experiences and later camping, included Fred, Carol and many other friends who were members of the Gold Wing Road Riders and the Retreads. Lifelong friendships were made and now so many have passed on. Gone but never forgotten. I think many can relate to what I've written and Leanne asked me to share.

Over a period of nearly 25 years, my husband & I spent most of our weekends on one of the 4 Honda Gold Wing Motorcycles he has owned since 1980. Often it was an evening ride with friends through country roads to find a nice little Mom & Pop restaurant for a leisurely dinner and back home again. On many occasions, it was a weekend ride to places like Cedar Key, Fl., Savannah, Ga., & Charleston, S.C. We toured many historical antebellum mansions, museums and the like and traversed countless beautiful country roads just to see where we might end up. Day trips to the Ocala area through beautiful “horse country” often included stops where we would meet owners and get to not only see but pet some of the most magnificent animals on God’s green earth. Yes, I’ve always been a horse lover! Micanopy, a quaint little village with an amazing old Bed & Breakfast, great little cafes, an old bookstore where I could spend hours, countless antique shops and for many of us, the clincher, the little ice cream shop. Our visits to Marjorie Kinnen Rawlings home in Cross Creek were always a favorite. The grounds have been kept up just as if she were still there. Her car is still parked in the portico alongside her little “Cracker House”. You can almost see her sitting at her old typewriter pounding away at the keys. It’s a lovely piece of history that remains a popular spot for many visitors to the area. Our travels on Ron’s bikes took us from Key West to Canada together and have taken him as far as Montana. One of our favorites was always the Smoky Mountain area, Skyline Drive & the Blue Ridge Parkway. We have hundreds of photos from our many jaunts both with groups of friends and by ourselves. I no longer ride but Ron still enjoys his Gold Wing and often rides with our children, my brother and friends. He’s far from ready to give it up.

We have ridden with so many people, people from every walk of life, judges, lawyers, police officers, nurses, doctors, teachers, school principals, and just ordinary folk like us. The common denominator of course is the bike. When we were all together enjoying the open road, a good meal, bowling outings, races or whatever, we were all on the same level, just a bunch of friends enjoying ourselves and leaving the worries of the world behind for a brief moment in time.

Daytona Beach & Bike Week was always an interesting experience. For me it was the “been there, done that” attitude because once you’ve been, you’ve pretty much seen it all. After one trip to “Bike Week” back in ‘99, I wrote the following piece. I think it pretty much says it all.

Bike Week, Lita’s thoughts

Bike week ’99 has now come and gone and although I didn’t go this year, memories of past visits are fresh in my mind. I’m sure I would have seen more of the same had I gone with Ron on Saturday, the 6th of March. For a people watcher such as I, oh what sights there are to see. Every state of dress and undress one can imagine; bikes of every conceivable size, age, brand & description. Bikers of all ages, sizes & descriptions as well.
And…tattoos! My goodness! Tattooed butts, boobs, arms, legs…anywhere there is skin there may be a tattoo. Even little old ladies with boobs that have long since fallen from their proper anatomical position, wrapped in leather halter tops with the ever present tattoo, albeit stretched & blurred beyond recognition, trying to peek out from somewhere far below their former resting place. Biker babes they were and maybe still are, struttin’ their stuff along Main Street. It’s an experience!
It’s a melting pot of humanity for sure and at least for this one week out of the year, they all seem to blend harmoniously.

Lita Poehlman, 3/99

Master Chief Fred Bell was a man of his word. He led the greatest gang of Electronic Technicians I ever had the pleasure of working with. He was a quiet leader who said the right thing at the right time and always had our backs in whatever we did on or off the ship. I served with Fred from 1970 to 1972 and in that brief timeframe came to know him as a trustworthy, loyal and brilliant man and boss. Fred loved to ride his huge motorcycles and handled the time off ship with family and friends at many campsites where he told stories of travels and meeting so many friends. We shipmates had lots of parties at our Sullivan Island and Isle of Palms rentals and Fred was the life of the party many times. Over the years, Fred would visit and attended my wedding. He was a wonderful part of my life. We shared many jokes and laughter. He made life seem easy and hard work just fun. Fred loved his family and we'll all rejoice seeing him on the other side.
Farewell, ol' Friend.

I served with Fred as a member of the ET Gang on the USS Blakely from April 1970 to January 1972 . He was my boss. It was a great ship because of leaders and mentors like Fred. He had a great sense of humor and he always had our backs. He will be missed. Rest In Peace, my friend.
Walt Wankowski

US Navy Master Chief Fred Bell served his country with honor and distinction, but it was his mentorship, integrity, and steady guidance that left the deepest mark on those of us fortunate enough to know him. Bravo Zulu to Chief Bell! He will be deeply missed and never forgotten.

My wife Laura and I were Fred and Carol’s next door neighbors for 26 years. You couldn’t ask for better people. I’ll cherish the times we would sit on his front porch and discuss many topics. You will be sorely missed. RIP MY FRIEND.

Fred and I were friends for bmany years. As president ( Fred) and vice president we spent many hours each month trying to get the newsletter copied and put together. We spent many hours on our Gdwings and Valkyries. That lasted till I went over to the dark side and started riding Hareys. We still spent many good times together as we both had motorhomes and enjoyed camping with our friends. Fred, you stand relieved. We have the watch.

Fred was my dear friend of many many years. We first met in the third grade at Hogan Spring Glen elementary about 1948 or 49. After grammar school he went to Dupont. I went to Landon later we reunited in Inglewood in the first graduating class in 1958 surely there after we both left for military service and reunited in years later. We spent many good times riding our motorcycles and enjoying life. I will miss him greatly.

Fred, Carol, Ron and I met around 1983.If memory serves, it was at a Gold Wing Road Riders Chapter meeting. Through the years, we were together at countless, meetings, rides, weekend campouts and more. Good times and wonderful memories to cherish. Fred was one of the sweetest, kindest men I have ever known. His smile was almost as big as his heart. We will miss him. Gone but not forgotten. May his memory forever be a blessing to all who loved him.

I remember first meeting Fred (Dad) Christmas 2010. After dating LeAnne for eight months we traveled from California to Florida together to be with family. Fred and Carol welcomed me into their home with open arms and I immediately felt a kinship with both of them. After a few pleasantries Fred and I settled down to talking about motorcycles and classic cars for what seemed like hours on
end. LeAnne often says it sounded like another language to her but Fred and I immediately knew we had two major things in common: motorcycles and our love for his daughter. I will forever cherish our time spent together, rest easy Dad and keep your knees in the breeze.