Thomas James Bell Iii

Thomas James Bell, III, husband of Mary Gwinn Vaux Bell, died Saturday, January 4, 2020 at their residence in Bluffton, S.C.

James was born April 3, 1969, to Dr. Jimmy and Nancy Baker Bell.  He was raised in Hartsville, S.C. He was a graduate of Hartsville High School, Clemson University with a double major in Political Science and English, and the University of South Carolina Law School. James began his legal career as an attorney for the Statehouse on the Banking and Insurance Senate Committee. For the past 19 years, he was a Public Defender with Beaufort County Public Defender's Office.

James valued his family and friends. He loved Clemson football and basketball, the May River, movies, politics and books. James found endless joy in the special relationships with his many nieces and nephews.  “Uncle J”, as they affectionately called him, was a confidant, playmate and buddy to Matthew, Abby, Mia, Lizzie, Audrey, Hayne, Addison, Pepper, Wyatt, Vivian, Roberts, Mills, Ella and Faye.  He also loved his rescue dogs.

Surviving, in addition to his wife and parents, are his sisters Elizabeth (Terry) Quinn and Andrea (Derek) Trader. Also surviving are Roberts and Mary Vaux, Emily and Chris Burden, Tabor and Erin Vaux, Anna Pepper and Jason Hewett, and the aforementioned beloved nieces and nephews.

His quick wit, copious knowledge and loving spirit will be missed by so many. We lost a very special husband, son, brother, uncle and friend who forever changed our lives for the better.  We will remember his sound advice, loving words and funny jokes for many years to come.

A celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, January 11, 2020, at 11:00 A.M. at the Church of the Cross, 110 Calhoun Street, Bluffton, S.C.

Visitation following the service will be at held at The Pine House, 95 Boundary Street, Bluffton, S.C.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Jasper Animal Rescue Mission, jarmission.org, or a charity of your choice.