Lebron Bell

LeBron Bell, 82 of Cookeville, TN passed away September 15, 2023 in a local hospital following an extended illness. He was born April 9, 1941 in Chattanooga, TN to the late Roy E. Bell and Nora Campbell Bell.

During his high-school years, Bell discovered he had a natural ability for “Shooting Hoops”, and his success in the sport earned him scholarships that launched his collegiate career. He led the nation in scoring one season, during his collegiate playing days. Bell continued to play well into his adult years including competing in and winning the Senior Olympics in 2003 at the tender age of 62, along with his team-mates (known as the SOBS; Society of Old Basketball Scholars).

He earned his Bachelor’s degree from Tennessee Wesleyan College, and his Masters and Doctorate degrees from the University of Tennessee in Knoxville in the School of Exercise Science, Physical Education, & Wellness. Bell began his coaching and teaching career at Hiwassee College in Madisonville, Tennessee. Through his coaching baseball and basketball, he formed a lasting bond with the student athletes who continue to meet in reunions to this day.

After earning his PhD, Bell and his family moved to Cookeville. He joined the faculty at Tennessee Technological University’s School of Exercise Science. He continued to teach for 46 years, finally hanging up his academic robes for the last time in 2019. During his tenure at Tech, he reached countless students who dared to darken the doorway of his classroom. Students knew him to be tough, but fair, and the lessons learned during the courses he taught, were the foundations that underpinned their future careers. Bell also volunteered as coach for numerous sports including the Championship-winning TTU School of Nursing basketball team.

Among Bell’s many endeavors, he especially enjoyed volunteering and devoting his time & energy to Special Olympics, where he served as the director of the TN Special Olympics—Area 9 for 40 years. During his tenure as director, he expanded the program to include not only sporting activities, but social events as well, including Christmas programs and Valentine’s Day dances for the participants in the program. His tireless work with this program encouraged other schools to include their students in participation of the programs. Many times, this resulted in teams going on to compete at state and international levels.

Bell was also known as a craftsman and builder, and his achievements in this avocation included building his personal residence and renovating many older houses in the Cookeville area. Bell was also recipient of many awards and was inducted into the Red Bank High School Hall of Fame, Chattanooga Sports Hall of Fame, Tennessee Wesleyan College Hall of Fame, and Hiwassee College Hall of Fame.

When Bell wasn’t teaching, coaching or building, he was travelling with family members; both in the states and abroad, including several trips to many of the countries of Europe. He also became quite adept at Nintendo, and enjoyed playing with his grandchildren during their many Nintendo gaming sessions.

Bell was preceded in death by his brother Joe Bell and wives Beth Goddard Bell and Keeble Herald Bell.

He is survived by wife Patty Bowman Bell, brother James “Bub” Bell (Becky), daughter Betsy Bell Smith (Rory), son Roy LeBron Bell (Marcia) stepson Brandon Bumbalough, stepdaughter Alison Bumbalough, grandchildren Bryan Smith (Mandy), Greg Smith (Haley), Holly & Ryan Bell, step-grandson Tyler Jeffries, and great grandchildren Jack & Cecilia Smith, and numerous nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, September 23, 2023 at 3 pm at Hooper Huddleston and Horner Funeral Home. The family will receive friends 12 noon until time of service.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Dr. LeBron Bell Scholarship Endowment:

TTU Advancement Office

Campus Box 5111

Cookeville, TN 38505

Hooper-Huddleston & Horner Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements (931)526-6111. You may share thoughts and memories at www.hhhfunerals.com