Dr. Jeffrey “Jeff” Lynn Bell, USAF (Ret.)

Dr. Jeffrey “Jeff” Lynn Bell, USAF (Ret.), 65, of Kathleen, Georgia, passed peacefully on March 21, 2026, after a hard-fought battle with brain cancer. Jeff was born on July 29, 1960, in Dalhart, Texas, to Theodore and Ruth (Cassidy) Bell, before moving with his family as a young boy to Tazewell, Tennessee. He was a loving husband to his wife, Haeng, a devoted father to his children, Cristin, Victoria, and Nicholas, and a doting grandfather to his grandchildren, Jude and Murphy.

Ever the hard worker, Jeff enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1979 and served honorably for 21 years, retiring with full military honors in 2000. Known for his no-nonsense approach to leadership, Jeff was beloved by his colleagues and peers for his ability to teach, listen, and learn while keeping spirits light. While enlisted, Jeff completed his Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Troy University. After retiring from the military, Jeff continued to serve those around him, becoming a teacher within the Peach County School System, first as a Social Studies teacher at Byron Middle School, and then transitioning to Peach County High School, where he taught Government and Advanced Placement Psychology. While teaching, Jeff was also a football coach for both Byron Middle and Peach County High School, as well as head coach for the Girls Soccer Teams at both Byron Middle and Peach County High School. While teaching and coaching, Jeff continued his education, earning his Master’s, Specialist, and Doctorate, officially earning the title of Dr. Bell. Jeff then made the transition from the classroom to the front office, first becoming the Assistant Principal at Byron Middle School before assuming the mantle of Principal of Byron Middle School. He served in that capacity until he retired from the Peach County Board of Education. After a brief hiatus, Jeff returned to work for the Peach County Board of Education as the Director of School Safety, retiring in 2023.

Despite his many responsibilities and his passion for service, education, and athletics, he always made time for his family, attending football and baseball games, soccer matches, and band and dance competitions. However, his favorite activity was chasing around his grandchildren, Jude and Murphy, whether it was in the back yard or on a sandy beach.

Jeff’s dedication to service shines brightest in the relationships he cultivated throughout his entire life. A man of great integrity, faith, selflessness, and loyalty. He always did everything he could to make sure the people he knew and loved were taken care of. He left a lasting impact on everyone he came across, and his legacy lives on in each and every person he helped mold and shape through his long and distinguished career in military service and education.

Not only known for his professional life, Jeff was a lifelong Tennessee Volunteers fan, bleeding orange each and every season. While in the military, Jeff was constantly active, playing softball and basketball every chance he got. While stationed in England, he dabbled in darts, playing in several tournaments. Later in life he picked up golf, a hobby he enjoyed until his cancer diagnosis. Jeff was as big a music fan as there ever was, always searching for a new favorite artist. However, none could ever compare to his beloved AC/DC. His lifelong love affairs with sports and music were passed down to his children, leaving a mark on them that will never fade.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Theodore and Ruth; his sister, Toni; and his daughter, Cristin.

His survivors include his wife, Haeng; his daughter, Victoria; his son-in-law, Dean; his grandson, Jude; his granddaughter, Murphy; his son, Nicholas; his brother, James; his sister-in-law, Sai; his sister, Teri; and countless friends and family members who will miss him dearly.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, March 28, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at McCullough Funeral Home. A reception will immediately follow from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at The Farmhouse, located directly behind McCullough Funeral Home.

A funeral service honoring the life of Dr. Jeffrey “Jeff” Lynn Bell, USAF (Ret.) will be held on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. in the chapel of McCullough Funeral Home. Afterward he will laid to rest with Full Military Honors at the Georgia Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Milledgeville, Georgia.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully suggests memorial donations be given in memory of Dr. Jeffrey “Jeff” Lynn Bell, USAF (Ret.) to the Heart of Georgia Hospice (https://heartofgahospice.org/donate/)

McCullough Funeral Home and Crematory has the privilege of being entrusted with these arrangements.