1947 – 2001
It is with deep respect, that we the DeKalb County Commission acknowledge the achievements and goals of the late President of the DeKalb County Commission, Charles Bell.
Whereas, Charles Bell had a great desire to conduct himself with dignity and honor, and did so as President of the DeKalb County Commission, and

Whereas, Charles Bell was known throughout the County as not only a great leader of this County, but also a Man of God, who was respected as such by all who knew him, and
Whereas, Charles Bell was a wonderful husband to his wife Angie, and provided a tremendous example as
a father to his sons, Charlton and Shaunathan, and

Whereas, he was taken much too soon from this earth, we are far better for having known him.

Be it resolved, that we the DeKalb County Commission desire to honor this great man and his family by
forever remembering his work ethic and energy in making DeKalb County a better place.

Biographical Data

Mr. Charles O. Bell was born on March 18, 1947 in Fort Payne, Alabama. At the time Mr. Bell was Commission
President, he and his wife Angie Kay Allen Bell and sons Charlton Kent Bell and Shaunathan Clint Bell lived
on a farm in the Valley Head area.

Mr. Bell graduated from Valley Head High School Class in 1965. After high school, he earned an AA Degree
in Secondary Education from Northeast State Junior College in 1967. He then earned a BS Degree in
Education/History from Jacksonville State University (JSU) in 1970. He earned his Elementary Certification from
JSU in 1976. In 1984, he earned his Master’s Degree in Educational Administration from the University of Alabama.

His Education career started in 1970. He served as a Classroom Teacher at Moon Lake Elementary School from 1970 to 1994. He also served as Principal and Classroom Teacher at Moon Lake from 1982 to 1994.

Mr. Bell was also a minister of the Gospel. He served as pastor of Bethel Baptist Church from 1980-1983;
Walnut Grove Baptist Church from 1983-1987; Hawkins Chapel Baptist Church from 1987-1990; Browns Chapel Baptist Church 1990-1992; Mountain View Baptist Church 1992-1995; and New Shady Grove Baptist Church from 1998 until his death in 2001.

Mr. Bell was very active in Professional and Civic Club such as the Walnut Grove Baptist Church; DeKalb County, Alabama & National Education Associations; DeKalb County Retired Teacher’s Association; JSU Alumni Association; Alabama Sheriff’s Association; Sons of the American Revolution – Little River Chapter; Alabama Cattlemen’s Association; DeKalb County & Alabama Republican Party; and the Association of County Commissions of Alabama.

He received the following awards: Fort Payne Jaycees Dekalb County Outstanding Young Educator (1971);
DeKalb County 4 H Clubs Leadership Award (1977-78); Outstanding Young Men of America (1981); DeKalb
County Board of Education Award of Appreciation (1994); Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers (1996)

Mr. Bell was also active in the following Extracurricular Activities:

Moon Lake 4-H Local Leader (1970-1994); School Spelling Bee Coordinator (1970-1994); Moon Lake Basketball
Founder (1974); Basketball Coach (1974-1992); Mentone Baseball Founder (1971);

Baseball Manager/Director/Treasurer (1971-1996)

Charles O. Bell retired from teaching in 1994. He was elected to the Dekalb County Commission as President in 1998. He served as President of the Dekalb County Commission until his death on May 19, 2001.

Mr. Bell will be greatly missed for his dedication and love for DeKalb County.

Brant Craig was a successful businessman in DeKalb County as well as North Alabama for many years prior
to becoming a DeKalb County Commissioner. Mr. Craig was among many who applied to fill the vacant position left by Ronnie Osborn after he was appointed Probate Judge following the untimely death of long-time Probate Judge Paul Thomas.

Mr. Craig was appointed DeKalb County Commissioner in District III by Governor Riley on August 5, 2004.
He was elected to a full term in November 2006 and served until his death on July 16, 2009.

The Association of County Commissions of Alabama adopted the following resolution following Mr. Craig’s death:

Resolution

Expressing deep regret and sense of loss upon the death of the honorable Brant Craig.

Whereas, the membership of the Association of County Commissions of Alabama has grievously
noted the death of a beloved colleague, the Honorable Brant Craig of DeKalb County, Alabama;
and

Whereas, the Honorable Brant Craig served prestigiously as a member of the DeKalb County
Commission with dedicated diligence and extraordinary ability; and

Whereas, the membership of the Association of County Commissions of Alabama is most deeply
saddened to learn of the death of the Honorable Brant Craig; now therefore

Be it resolved by the members of the association of county commissions of Alabama assembled at their 81st annual convention in Orange Beach, Alabama that this body mourns the death of the Honorable Brant Craig and extends its most heartfelt sympathy to all members
of his family.

Be it further resolved, that copies of this resolution be transmitted to the family of the
Honorable Brant Craig as evidence of shared grief and of this body’s deep regret in their loss.

In Witness thereof, the Association has caused this Resolution to be executed in its name and
on its behalf by its President and Executive Director and has caused its corporate seal to be
impressed thereon, all on this 20th day of August, 2009.

1944 – 2004
Whereas, the DeKalb County Commission is the elected representation of the citizens of DeKalb County; and

Whereas, the DeKalb County Commission desires to honor the late Probate Judge, Paul Thomas; and

Whereas, we the DeKalb County Commission acknowledge the great service that Judge Paul Thomas gave to DeKalb County; and

Whereas, it is further recognized, that Judge Paul Thomas served DeKalb County with distinction, dignity and honor in the office of Probate Judge from January 1977 to his untimely death in June 2004, and

It is further recognized, that Judge Paul Thomas was a man that was respected for his leadership and guidance across DeKalb County and the State of Alabama,

Be it Resolved, that we the DeKalb County Commission do hereby forever honor the memory of this great man
by acknowledging his work ethic and his dedication to make DeKalb County a better place for its citizens.

Presented to his family on the 14th day of October 2004.