A servant of the people, giant in the community, and longtime sheriff of Candler County passed away on Tuesday of this week.

Sheriff Homer Bell passed away at age 87 following a long illness. He was a native of Emanuel County, graduated from Metter High School and was a Marine veteran. At the time of his death, he resided in Candler County and specifically in the Olifftown Community.

Bell began his career in law enforcement in 1981 and served for 34 years until his resigned in October 2015 citing health issues. His position was filled in the interim by former Georgia State Patrol Trooper and Blake Hendrix until an election saw the voters of the county electing current Sheriff John Miles as sheriff.

Toombs County Sheriff Alvie Lee Kight, Jr., worked with Sheriff Bell for many years, and speaks fondly of his fallen comrade.

“I became good friends with Sheriff Bell when I worked with the Vidalia Police Department,” Sheriff Kight said, “He was known for his hard work day and night. He was tough on crime all to keep his citizens safe. He didn’t have a problem speaking his mind  and letting you know where he stood. He’s was well-respected in the community; there’s no doubt about that.”

Funeral services for former Sheriff Bell will be held Saturday, January 22, at Anchor Worship Church in Metter. Open visitation will be held Friday from 3:00 – 7:00 at the church.