William M. “Bill” Bell

William M. “Bill” Bell

May 16, 1935 to Nov. 6, 2017

William Markley Bell III, 82, was born on May 16, 1935 in Shawnee, OK to William M. “Jack” and June Bell. He attended OU and was a member of Phi Gamma Delta. Bill graduated from the University of Arizona in 1959 and returned to Oklahoma to begin a long and successful banking career. His accomplishments include President and CEO of Liberty National Bank & Trust and Chairman, President and CEO of Bank One which later became Chase. He finished his distinguished career as Vice Chairman, Trust and Investment Management at BancFirst. In addition to Bill’s professional achievements he served on many professional, business and civic boards. They include, American Banker Assoc., Okla. Bankers Assoc., Mortgage Bankers Assoc., Better Business Bureau, Allied Arts, Dean McGee Eye Institute, Historic Green Mountain Falls Foundation, OKC Golf and Country Club, Okla. School of Science and Mathematics Foundation, ONEOK and the Devon Implementation Committee just to name a few. In 1965 Bill met the love of his life, Bettye Jane Maxwell and together they raised two wonderful children. Bill especially enjoyed his family time at the family cabin in Chipita Park, CO where they would hike Mt. Esther Trail, picnic at Eleven Mile Canyon, fish at Green Mountain Falls and go to the melodrama in Cripple Creek. His passions were golf and quail hunting. He was the proud owner of 3 hole-in-ones and was the happiest when taking money from his golfing friend Richard Ellis. When fall came around it was hunting that he loved, and he spent as much time as possible with his buddies Curly (Bob Johnson) and Moe (Roy Smith). You guessed it, Bill was known as Larry. Bill was preceded in death by his parents Jack and June Bell, wife Bettye Bell, sister Barbara Grimes and nephew Mark Grimes. He is survived by his son, Mike Bell and wife Nancy Bell of Edmond; daughter Michelle Doughty of Edmond; grandchildren Jennifer Knox and husband Dr. Stephen Knox of Castle Rock, CO, Chris Bell and wife Brenda Bell of Edmond, OK, Bryce Bell of OKC and Chelsea Doughty of OKC; Great grandchildren Elijah Bell, Sarah Bell, Caleb Bell, Riley Knox, Ryker Knox and Rogan Knox. Bill is also survived by nephew Brock Grimes and wife Laurina Grimes of Houston, TX and nephew Father Price Grimes of OKC. Services will be held at 11 am on Wednesday, November 15, 2017 at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, 222 NW 15^th, OKC. The family would like to express their thanks to the wonderful and caring staff of Autumn Leaves in Edmond as well as Mercy Hospice. In lieu of flowers please donate to the Alzheimer’s Association.