Max Bell

ASHEBORO — Max Grayson Bell of Asheboro died Sept. 28, 2022, at Randolph Hospice House after a brief illness. He was 93.

Max was born in Guilford County on Aug. 5, 1929, to Benjamin Harrison and Ora Nance Bell. Max's father died in 1933 and his family moved to Asheboro a few years afterward.

Max enjoyed a varied career at several places of employment including Burge Flower Shop, Harrelson Robber Co., Randolph County Senior Adults and the American Red Cross. He worked part-time at the State Employees Credit Union well into his eighties. He attended Balfour Baptist Church.

People, nature, gardening, good food and conversation were among Max's favorite things. He cultivated friendships with people of all ages and backgrounds and was widely known wherever he went in Asheboro.

Max was a member of the Asheboro Jaycees and was directly involved in the production of the Miss Randolph County Pageant for nearly 30 years. He served as judge's chairman and business manager for the program. He also served as a judge for many Miss America Preliminary Pageants and festival competitions across the southeast.

He is survived by his niece, Betty Leonard Ingool of Greensboro, as well as many extended family members and friends.

Max will lie in repose from 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 4, until the funeral hour at Ridge Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be conducted at 2 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 4, 2022, at Ridge Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Mark Wilburn officiating. Family and friends will gather from 1-2 p.m. Tuesday prior to the service. Private burial will follow at Pleasant Union Community Church Cemetery.