2023 Legends of Lees Summit --Three Generations of the Bell Family
Athletics Category
Bobby Bell, Sr.
Bobby was an NFL Hall of Fame football player for the Kansas City Chiefs during the years of 1963 – 1974.
After retirement, Bobby owned Bobby Bell’s Bar-B-Que in the Kansas City, Missouri, area where he won numerous awards for the best BBQ.
Currently, he speaks publicly and educates students, players, and corporations about the generations of Black Americans who worked hard to provide opportunities for future generations of Black Americans.
“As great athletes, we were able to use our athleticism to obtain a great education. We were also able to use our athleticism to prove we could compete and be the best on an even playing field. Bill Russell, Jim Brown, Ernie Davis, Hank Aaron, Willie Mays, Sandy Stephens, Elston Howard, Roy Campanella, Willie Davis, Buck Buchanan and others helped pave the way for others to have that same opportunity.”
Bobby was born in 1940 in Shelby, North Carolina, and currently lives in Kansas City, Missouri.
He does a lot of work with the NFL, the Kansas City Chiefs, and various businesses around the country. Bobby’s goal is to continue sharing his message with others so that the story of sacrifice and success is never forgotten.
He tells stories with authenticity because he lived them. “I can talk about teamwork and winning because I have played at the highest level and won.”
Bobby Bell, Jr.
Bobby Lee Bell, Jr., attended Lee’s Summit High School during 1977-1980. During that time, he was a three-sport athlete in basketball, track, and football.
Following high school, he attended The University of Missouri Columbia on a football scholarship from 1980 to 1984. His team was First Team All-Big Eight in 1983.
Bobby was selected to play in the Hula Bowl, Japan Bowl, and the Holiday Bowl. He was inducted to the Holiday Bowl Hall of Fame.
Bobby was drafted in the fourth round to the New York Jets in 1984.
His hobbies and interests include sports and spending time with family and friends as well as their family dogs.
Bobby is the Owner / Operating Manager of McGeorge Brothers Chem Dry Carpet Cleaning located in Lee’s Summit and has served the Lee’s Summit community and surrounding areas for the last 37 years.
He is actively involved in Character That Counts Ministry in Lee’s Summit and attends Abundant Life Church.
“It is a blessing for my wife, Sherri, and me to call Lee’s Summit our home,” stated Bobby
Gracen Bell
Gracen Lee Bell attended Lee’s Summit North from 2018 to 2022. While at North, he played basketball and football.
He was the President of Student Activities Council, selected as Optimist Student of the Month, and was an Academic All-State in Football.
While in high school Gracen worked in the LS community as a lifeguard in Lakewood.
When asked about his interests and hobbies, his response, “My faith, aviation and football.”
“I am grateful for my teachers, coaches, administrators, and friends in the Lee’s Summit Community.”
“Their impact in my life is significant. They have helped shape my decisions and dreams.”
Gracen is continuing his education and football career at The United States Naval Academy.
Aubree Bell
Aubree’s family moved to Lee’s Summit when she was 10 years old. She was Home Educated until her junior year of high school. She then attended Lee’s Summit North. While at North, she competed on the varsity volleyball team and received All-Conference awards. During her senior year, she was selected to represent Missouri in the MO/KAN all-star volleyball game. Upon graduating from LSN, she attended the University of Central Missouri where she competed in collegiate volleyball and majored in Physical Education.
Some of her hobbies and interest consist of outdoor activities, attending sporting events, her faith, family, and friends.
Aubree has played competitive volleyball for a total of 11 years. Playing six years for PVA at the Elite Club Level and five years at the University of Central Missouri. During her time at UCM, she earned three All-Conference awards. As a team, during her senior year, they were Regular Season Champions as well as Post Season Conference Champions.
Aubree is the High School Varsity Volleyball Coach at Ray-Pec where she also teaches Physical Education. Aubree also coaches club volleyball in the Kansas City area for a PVA Elite Team. Throughout her volleyball career, she has had the opportunity to compete with some of the most talented and gifted volleyball coaches and players.
Her high school, club, and college volleyball experiences have taught her the importance of leadership, teamwork, and valuable life lessons.
“The Lee’s Summit community has been a wonderful place to grow up, go to school, and reside as an adult. My relationships with friends, teachers, and administrators from Lee’s Summit R7 school district have continued to impact my life. My family and several close friends still live in Lee’s Summit today. Lee’s Summit has been an amazing place to call home.”
