Whitey Bell obit

William Hoyt "Whitey" Bell Has Died

 

He was not on the list.

William Hoyt “Whitey” Bell, 92, of Hickory, North Carolina, went home to be with the Lord, leaving behind a legacy of courage, faith, and love that will live on through his family and the many lives he touched.

Born in Monticello, Kentucky, on September 13, 1932, Whitey went on to play basketball at NC State University from 1954–1958, averaging 14.2 points per game his senior year. Following college, he enjoyed a professional basketball career with the New York Knicks, San Francisco Saints, and Pittsburgh Rens.

In 1958, he married the love of his life, Nancy Bell, and together they built 67 years of a faithful and enduring marriage. Whitey and Nancy raised two children: Mike Bell (married to Susan Bell) and Terrilynn Collins (married to Jimmy Collins). His greatest joy was his role as a devoted husband, father, and “Pawpaw.”

He adored his grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Bren Collins and Taylor Garrow (married to Caleb Garrow), with their children Brynlyn-Kate, Jovie Jane, and Havyn Jaymes Garrow; Anna-Katherine Bell, Elizabeth Bell, and Jackson Bell (married to Grace Bell), with their son Beckham Bell.

Whitey worked for 40 years with the State of North Carolina in the probation and parole department, where he was respected for his integrity and his commitment to protecting others. He was as tough as any man could be—fearless, courageous, and always ready to defend the weak. Yet he also carried a tender heart for ordinary people and never let a day pass without telling his family that he loved them and was proud of them.

A faithful husband and lover of Christ, he will be remembered as a man of unmatched courage, a steady protector, a lover of simple joys, and a man whose love for his family never wavered.

Whitey is survived by his beloved wife, Nancy; his children, Mike (Susan) Bell and Terrilynn (Jimmy) Collins; his grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and a host of friends and extended family who cherished him.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Whitey Bell was a great husband, father, and Pawpaw—tough as a lion, fearless in spirit, and full of love. His family rejoices that he is now in the presence of the Lord.

Bell played collegiately for the North Carolina State University. Bell averaged 14.2 points per game as a senior for NC State during the 1957–58 season.

He played for the New York Knicks (1959–61) in the NBA for 36 games. Bell then played with the San Francisco Saints (1961–62) of the American Basketball League and briefly in 1962 with the Pittsburgh Rens of the ABL. On November 1, 1961, Bell scored 30 points in a game against the Kansas City Steers.

Bell died in Hickory, North Carolina on September 3, 2025, at age 92.