Samuel Bell

Samuel Calvin Bell, 54, of Indian Head and Swanton died on Thursday, March 22, 2018, at his home in Swanton.  Born on September 12, 1963 in Silver Spring, he was the son of Carolyn M. Taylor and husband William of Swanton and the late Howard Scott Bell.  He was a graduate of Southern High School and had earned a BS in Electrical Engineering from the University of Maryland.  Sam started his career as an Engineer for the U.S. Navy at NSWC Indian Head, MD in the mid-1980’s working on the Tomahawk Missile Program. In the mid-1990’s he transitioned to Naval Sea Systems Command Headquarters in Washington, DC supporting missile system development for surface Navy ships assigned to Program Executive Office Integrated Warfare Systems (PEO IWS). For the past 20 years Mr. Bell was the Project Manager for the Naval Integrated Fire Control-Counter Air (NIFC-CA), he led the government and industry team in integration and testing of several complex Naval Weapons, Radar and Combat Systems into a comprehensive Fire Control capability.  NIFC-CA provides the Navy with critical extended over-land and over-water engagement capability to protect Aircraft Carrier Battle Groups. Mr. Bell’s leadership was instrumental in achieving this important capability for the U.S. Navy and the Nation. In addition to his mother and stepfather, he is survived by his sister, Stacey Raye Payne and husband Stephen of Pocomoke City; a brother, William Scott Bell and wife Marla of Wytheville, VA; three nieces, Diana Marie Payne, Marilyn Grace Bell and Caroline Ellen Bell; and a nephew, Allen Patrick Payne.  A memorial service will be held at the C & S Fredlock Funeral Home, P.A., 21 N 2nd St., Oakland, MD on Saturday, March 31st at 1 PM with Rev. Matthew Paugh officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Garrett County Lighthouse, PO Box 116, Oakland, MD 21550 or The Dove Center, 882 Memorial Dr., Oakland, MD 21550.