Fernando Bells Sr., 47, a native of Vicksburg, departed this life May 1, 2016, in Richmond, Va., where he resided.

Mr. Bells was a faithful member of St. James Baptist Church, Richmond. He retired after 20 years of service from the U.S. Navy in 2014, where he was a personnel specialist with the rank of petty officer 1st class. Fernando was affiliated and actively involved with St. Peter Masonic Lodge No. 1 of Petersburg, Va., Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., and the U.S. Navy First Class Petty Officer’s Association.

He leaves to cherish his memory his wife, La’Drena Bells; four daughters, Dominique Bells, Taylor Jeter, MiYonna Bells and Michaela Davis; two sons, Joshua Davis and Fernando “Malik” Bells Jr.; parents, Marietta Moore and Percy Bells; mother-in-law, Jennifer Simon; maternal grandmother, Virgie Lee Williams; four sisters, Rashunda Hunter (Jeffrey), Latoska Bells, Tiffany Bells and Tiffany Robinson; three brothers, Darfeis Williams (Katherine), Michael Gardner (Ann), Wade Thomas; two godsisters, Teffee Craig and Jami Chambers; three goddaughters, Naimah, Londyn and Logyn Moton; and aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives and friends, including the Rev. Edmund T. Sherill, pastor Kevin L. Sykes and first lady Gwanetta Flanagan-Sykes, Bro. Warren Blair, Bro. Al Morris and Bro. Derrick Page.

He was preceded in death by a brother, Percy DeWayne Williams.

A home-going service was held Saturday, May 7, 2016, at St. James Baptist Church in Richmond with the Rev. Dr. Kevin L. Sykes officiating and pastor Edmund T. Sherrill, eulogist.

Interment was Monday, May 9, 2016, at Virginia Veterans Cemetery at Amelia.

A memorial service celebrating his life will be 10 a.m. Saturday, May 14, 2016, at Lakeview Memorial Funeral Home.