ANGIER, N.C. – Sam Bell, the long-time head track coach at Harnett Central, passed away last Friday. Bell coached the track teams at Harnett Central for 33 years in addition to four years as cross country coach and 29 years as an assistant on the football team.

Bell retired in 2007 due to failing health, but continued to stay involved in the school and track program at Harnett Central. Even in illness during retirement, Coach Bell is credited with helping the coaches at Harnett Central and Triton. He even continued going out to lobby for new facilities at Harnett Central, particularly for refurbishments to the track. 

Bell also led a summer track program that was put on through collaboration with Harnett County Sheriff’s Deputy Mark Hornsby.

At the time of this article visitation is scheduled for Sunday evening from 5:00 p.m. to 7 at Dafford Funeral Home in Dunn. The funeral service is scheduled for Monday afternoon at 1:00 p.m. at Cape Fear Conference Adm Department (25 Beaver Rd, Erwin, NC 28339). The arrangements are being made through Dafford Funeral Home in Dunn, and the latest information on the arrangements can be viewed on their website (www.daffordfuneralhome.com).