Pat Benson: Volonte Bell’s Smile Lit Up Chattanooga

The news started circulating on social media on Monday morning. We had lost a one-of-a-kind spirit. Volonte Bell had gone to heaven at the age of 29. It couldn’t be real; the words didn’t make sense in that order.

Volonte had a magnetic personality and a million-dollar smile. He was a son, brother, father, coach and a friend to so many of us. Somehow everyone in Chattanooga knew him and everyone in Chattanooga loved him.

I met Volonte on the first day of 6^th grade and honestly, I didn’t want to like him. Our mutual friends had been telling me about this super-quick southpaw who could stop anyone on defense.

I knew we would both be competing for playing time in middle school, and I had already decided that I didn’t like whoever this guy was.

Well that didn’t last long. It took no time for Volonte’s infectious smile and amazing sense of humor to break down the barrier I had put up between us. We became teammates, friends, and felt like family.

As luck would have it, we grew up in the same neighborhood. I spent countless hours at his house. Vencent and Vanessa Bell could probably have claimed me as a dependent on their taxes. During that time, I was always impressed by what a loving son and brother Volonte was.

As everyone can attest, it was always “yes sir” or “yes ma’am” to any adult – including his parents. And he took great interest in developing his younger brother, Vonn (who currently plays for the New Orleans Saints).

In high school, he went to Central and I went to Ooltewah. Whenever we played against each other, the rivalry was extra special.

But nothing was sweeter than growing up and being friends during and after college. We would text back and forth, usually talking trash about who was the better player back in the day. Or I would pick his mind about technical basketball questions.

In fact, he was the first prominent Chattanoogan I interviewed a few weeks ago about the loss of Kobe Bryant. I’m going to miss those text messages. And I’m going to miss the wealth of knowledge he possessed. 

My story with Volonte is just one of many thousands like it. He had that effect on everyone he ever met. Whether you were an athlete, band-member, teacher, coach, acquaintance, it didn’t matter. Volonte made you feel good and you cherish the role he played in your life.

Social media exploded with an outpouring of heartfelt messages when the news hit. The resounding theme was Volonte’s smile and personality. Of the hundreds of tweets, Coach John Shulman’s post really summed it up.

“Sad day to lose such a positive young man @CoachVBell – always had a smile and always had something cookin!! Never had a bad day. Always dreaming! We all need to learn and live like that!”

Amen to that.

Volonte’s passing is tragic and unfair. He had so many more lives to touch, and the best chapters of his story had yet to be written. We as a community must take great care of his family. Because they moved from Texas to Tennessee and gave us Volonte who lit up all of our lives with that indelible spirit.

Volonte, I already miss you man. Thank you for being my friend for so many years. Thank you for inspiring me to a better person. Thank you for lighting up Chattanooga with that smile.

But best believe when we met again, I want another rematch, one-on-one on the hardwood. And don’t be reaching with those quick hands.

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Pat Benson has been a sideline reporter, P.A. announcer and radio personality. Tweet him @Pat_Benson_Jr.