William (Bill) David Bell III passed away on September 14, 2023, at the age of 81 at his home in Fredericksburg, Texas. He was born on March 4, 1942, in Houston, Texas. Above all, Bill was thankful to his Savior for his salvation by grace and spoke often about it. His fervent prayer was for his family and friends to receive the same grace that he had. He was a deeply loving man with a large family and many friends. Bill had a remarkable ability to connect with people and never met a stranger. He could engage in conversations on various topics, favoring history, geography, politics, and religion, which he could discuss for hours on end.

Bill was not only intellectually inclined but also a gifted craftsman and artisan, renowned as a silversmith. His skills and artistry were widely recognized, and he counted among his clients Hollywood actors, directors, musicians, politicians, and countless others who would hear of his work and seek him out. His passion and skill were evident in every piece he created.

Bill grew up in California but moved to Texas to attend the University of Texas in the early sixties and never looked back. It was there that he discovered his love of spelunking, developing life-long friendships along the way. He married the love of his life, Linn Roe, in 1964, and immediately began the adventure of raising three children together. After a stint with the Merchant Marines, Bill took his young family on a detour to Taos, New Mexico for one year (1974) where he learned the craft of silversmithing.  They ultimately chose Fredericksburg over Austin and Houston to put down roots as they believed that the small, sleepy town of Fredericksburg was the best place to nurture a family. Their values of faith, family, and country were passed down to their children.

Bill is survived by his son, Billy Bell, and daughters, Heather (Bell) Brewer and husband Don, and Amber (Bell) Hesskew and husband Justin. Bill was also a loving grandfather to Natasha Brewer, Jordan Brewer and wife Sarah, Brandon Brewer, Ryan Brewer, Patricia Brewer, Lincoln Brewer, Destry Hesskew and wife Blair, Dakota Hesskew, Brazos Hesskew and wife Maddie, and Croix Hesskew. Additionally, he was a proud great-grandfather to Buck, Parx, Endi, Sail, and Bear Hesskew, and Benjamin Brewer. He is also survived by two loving brothers, Parker and Eric Bell, and numerous cousins.

Bill was preceded in death by his father, William D. Bell II, his mother, Elin Parker Bell, and his ex-wife, Linn Bell.

Bill worshiped at Fredericksburg Bible Church, where he found solace and strength in his faith.

In his free time, Bill enjoyed tinkering and collecting old things and had a love/hate relationship with farming and ranching.

A memorial service will be held to celebrate Bill's life at Fredericksburg Bible Church located at 107 E. Austin St., Fredericksburg, TX 78624 on Saturday, October 21, 2023, at 3:00 p.m.

Bill will be dearly missed by his family, friends, and all those whose lives he touched with his love, craftsmanship, and engaging conversations.