Ruize Alexander Bell, Sr.

Ruize Alexander Bell, Sr., affectionately known as “Chick”, transitioned from labor to reward on April 30, 2025, at Holy Cross Hospital in Germantown, Maryland at the age of 63.

Born August 20, 1961, to Barbara Ann Tyler Bell and the late William Arndoff Bell, Sr. in Olney, Maryland he spent his entire life in Emory Grove (Gaithersburg, Maryland). Ruize was a 1980 graduate of Seneca Valley High School. He married Adrianne Bell in June 2001, sharing over two decades of love as one.

Ruize was employed for 13 years by Montgomery County Ride On as a transit operator and was a proud and dedicated union member. He served as the shop steward for the Municipal and County Government Employees Organization (MCEO) UFCW Local 1994, which represents workers across the DMV. Ruize loved his job, his passengers and his colleagues. Prior to Ride On, Ruize was employed by several local car dealerships including, King Lincoln Mercury, Fitzgerald, Medical Access, NextCar. In his younger years, he worked for the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), formerly the National Bureau of Standards (NBS).

Outside of work, he was deeply committed to his faith and wanted each of his children to know the word of God. He faithfully sent out daily scripture and recently purchased a Bible for each of his children. Ruize cherished the time spent with family, especially his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Ruize was very proud of them all. He was passionate about yearly vacations and devoted to creating lasting memories.

Ruize loved the grill and was known by the family as the grill master. He enjoyed playing golf and was a lifetime fan of the Dallas Cowboys and the George Clinton P-Funk collective (Parliament-Funkadelic). Growing up, Ruize was a proud and standing member of the Store Yard Crew.

Ruize leaves to celebrate his life and cherish his memories, his beloved wife, Adrianne; mother Barbara Ann Bell; children Brashaa, Kendra(Michael), Tammy, Britnie, Jeremiah, Blandon, Nikita, Arsenio, Zhane’, Adrianna, Ruize, Jr.; grandchildren, Anashia, Aniyah, Khy-le, X’zavier, Tyleah, Jada, Cameron, Avayah, Bentley, Aria, Chole, Miah, Sophia, Blandon, Jr., Carlonte ,Ivy; great-grandkids, Alaia, Ezra, Seraphina; siblings, Denise M. Littleford (Edward), William A. Bell, Jr. (Dinah) and Deborah Kay Bell-Smith (Troy); two nieces Ayanna Hill and Jamaa Hill; and one nephew Anthony Bell, Jr.; brothers in love Zeno Onley, Billy Brooks, Lynn Onley and Donald Brooks; sister in love, Nannie (Phil); one aunt Audrey Tyler, one great-aunt, Etta Johnson; one great-uncle Rev. Cyrus “Glenn” Taylor. Ruize also leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives and friends.

Ruize was preceded in death by his beloved father, William Arndoff Bell, Sr; brother, Anthony Bell, Sr. and grandparents, William and Martha Jane Tyler, Florine Branison and William “Brownie” Bell.

Ruize’s life story, and his bravery and dedication even during a fatal medical crisis, is a heroic testament to the impact one individual can make through unwavering faith, love, and commitment. Our hero, Ruize “Chick” Bell, leaves a lasting impression on his family, friends, and the community he served.

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