Emanuel Bell

“Faith Not Fear”
For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.   2 Timothy 1:7
The Essence of His Spirit
Coach Emanuel “Tubb” Bell, IV was born December 23, 1954 in Birmingham, AL to Robert and Maggie Bell.  A jovial person by nature, he affectionately bragged that he was the “baby”, even though, he was not the youngest of the family. Given his birth order, he was the third of four sons.
Coach, as he was affectionately called, confessed Christ at an early age. As a faithful and dedicated lifelong member of Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church, he served on the Usher Board.
Under the directorship of his mother and aunt, his first step towards excellence and education started at Jack & Jill Kindergarten. Then, he transitioned to the Birmingham City School System, where he completed his early and secondary education. He attended Wenonah Elementary, A. G. Gaston Junior High, before attending his beloved Wenonah High School, where he was scholastically and athletically influenced. In 1973, he was a proud member of his victorious graduating class.  Afterwards, he attended Lane College in Jackson, Tennessee on a full football scholarship and successfully earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Education.
Coach relocated to Bridgeport, Connecticut, upon graduating from Lane College. Here he met, and in 1981, married the love of his life, Julia Elmore. To this union one child was born in 1985; they named her Ashley.
In 1992 Coach returned to his hometown of Birmingham, Alabama.  In 1993, he became employed by the Birmingham City School System. Dr. Barbara Wilder hired him as Physical Education teacher and coach at Jones Valley Middle School. Initially, he sought to be the Head Football Coach, but since that position was not available, he accepted the position as Head Coach of the Girls Basketball Team.  Though he didn’t realize it at that time, this decision was one that would impact his life tremendously, as well as change the lives of many others for years to come.
Coach met Carl Killings in 1993. Together they founded and formulated an Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) Basketball Program. Later, it became known as, The Alabama Roadrunners. Through this program, thousands of girls would go on to earn scholarships to attend colleges across the United States.
In 1996, Coach Bell was selected as the Head Coach Girls Basketball Coach at his Alma Mater, Wenonah High School.  At Wenonah, he went on to win five State Championships and historically becoming legendary while setting a record with four wins back-to-back (2004, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017).  Also, he was also State Championship Runner-up in 2013 and 2018. A select few of accolades are as follows:  a winning record of 530-194 (to include a 48-9 record at Jones Valley); numerous Coach of the Year and Birmingham Tip-Off Club Awards; national recognition by Max Preps and induction into the Wenonah High School Sports Hall of Fame. Additionally, he was recipient of the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame, Frank “Pig” House Award, for the impact he had not only on the game of basketball, but also the lives of his girls beyond the sport. This list of his many accomplishments and recognition's is massive. However, none of his accomplishments proved greater than giving girls the opportunity to improve their life situations through free college education and lastly, his love and support.
On Thursday, January 31, 2019 Coach Emanuel “Tubb” Bell, IV bid farewell and made his transition from his earthly life to his heavenly home. He was preceded in death by his loving parents and his eldest brother, Gregory Bell.
Coach Emanuel "Tubb" Bell, IV life is one to be celebrated. Even though, he will be dearly missed, his memories will forever linger on and be cherished in the hearts of the loving and devoted Julia Elmore Bell; a daughter, Ashley Bell; two brothers, Alfred (Deborah) Bell and Reginald (Karen) Bell; a special brother, Rotimi (Sharon) Olusanya; three nieces, Starla, Margaret and Candyce; one nephew,  Marcus; one great niece,  Mariah; a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, goddaughters; special friend and pastor, Reverend Jessie Young; his Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church family,former students, associates and many friends.