DALLAS — The Rev. B. Clayton Bell, a Presbyterian minister who grew to national prominence over the more than 25 years in which he led a Dallas area church, died Tuesday. He was 67.

He died in his sleep just a few hours after a Fourth of July celebration at the North Carolina home of his brother-in-law, the Rev. Billy Graham.

Bell retired in January as pastor of Highland Park Presbyterian Church, at one time the denomination's largest congregation. He was soon after elected pastor emeritus.

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He was a maverick in Presbyterian Church (USA) circles, a national figure who garnered respect for passionate opinions and decisive leadership.

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