Henry Burnette Bell

Henry Burnette Bell Sr. 85. was born in Zion Hill, KY to the late William Bell and Helen Winchester Bell on June 16, 1939. He was educated in the segregated Schools of Lexington, Kentucky and was a graduate of the Old Douglass High School Demons where he was a standout Basketball player. He accepted Christ Jesus at an early age and was baptized into the fellowship of the Zion Hill Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Rev. H. E. Gerton. He retired from the Fayette County Sheriff's Department as a Deputy Sheriff for over twenty years. Mr. Bell was widely considered to be one of, if not the best, shooters to ever play the game of basket ball in Lexington. He was a star player at the original Douglass High School, from which he graduated in 1958. The scoring machine held Lexington's single-game scoring record of 54 points for more than three decades. That feat was achieved well before the three- point-shot era, and he didn't even play in the fourth quarter of the game. After an illustrious high school career during which the sharpshooter averaged more the 30 points per game, Mr. Bell went on to play basketball at Jackson State College, now a university, in Jackson, MS. He was also a long time basketball referee who was inducted into the KHSAA Hall of Frame in 1992. The first of Mr. Bell's LAASHOF inductions came in 2022. His 1956 Douglass team, coached by the legendary Mr. Charles Livisay, was runner-up in the 48 -team National Negro High School Bassketball Tournament, held at Tennessee State College, also now a university. At that time, all black high schools were not allowed to play in the KHSAA and other similar tournaments. Mr. Bell's second induction came at our LAASHOF Gale in September for his accomplishments as an individual athlete. Due to his illness, Mr. Bell was unable to attend the gala. His black LAASHOF blazer and trophy were graciously accepted by his son, Henry Bell After College he returned home to Lexington and married his high school sweetheart Flora Bell Byrd whom he was married to for 28 years, and to that Union he was blessed with Three Son's; Gerald (Nancy)of Hampton, VA, Henry B. Bell Jr of Lexington, Ky and George Bell of Louisville, KY. Two Daughters; Michelle Bell Downing and Emma Bell Edwards, Lexington, KY. Henry later had Sonia Lawson (Keith). Smith. Henry later united in marriage to his late wife Earline Wearren Bell and to this union he was again blessed with and additional Son; Henry B. Bell III of Lexington, Ky.. he gained a stepson: Jahmel Wearren-Overstreet, Stepdaughters; Love Wearren and Seanrae White. He leaves also a brother; George L. Bell of Friendswood, Tx a half-brother; Charles Bell a half sister; Teresa Bell both of Lexington. a host Grandchildren and Great grandchildren, one Aunt; Edna Seynour of Indianapolis, IN a special Nephew; Chuck Hamilton, and a host of Nieces, In laws, cousins, and Friends He was preceded in death by one Sister and three Brothers. He will always be remembered as one of the Greatest basketball legends in the city of Lexington during his era. The Great 'RED' Bell.

Henry Burnette Bell

June 16, 1939 - October 7, 2024

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Henry Burnette Bell

June 16, 1939 - October 7, 2024

What We Do

Flowers & Gifts

Plan Ahead

About Us

Resources

Obituaries

Grief & Healing

Contact Information

365 Days of Grief Support