Vereen McNeill Bell was the proud son of Georgia State Supreme Court Judge R.C. Bell. He embarked on his academic journey at Davidson College in North Carolina, graduating in 1932. Following his collegiate tenure, Bell went on to hone his writing skills in Louisiana. His early professional endeavors saw him serve as the associate editor of renowned publications, American Boy and Youth's Companion, for a period of two years.
Subsequently, Bell transitioned into the realm of freelance writing, where he continued to cultivate his craft. In 1943, he felt compelled to serve his country and enlisted in the United States Navy. Tragically, his life was cut short during World War II, when he lost his life as a lieutenant in the Second Battle of the Philippine Sea.
In a poignant tribute to his remarkable career, the Georgia Legislature renamed the entrance highway to the Okefenokee Swamp the Vereen Bell Memorial Highway. Furthermore, Davidson College has established the Vereen Bell Award for creative writing in his honor, a testament to his enduring legacy in the literary world.