William Edward “Coach” Deegan, age 76, passed away on August 6, 2026. The visitation will be 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Saturday, August 8, 2026, at Tuscumbia First Methodist Church with the funeral following at 1:00 p.m. Officiating at the service will be Alan Beasley. Speaking at the service will be Joe Deegan, Jim Maples, Sarah Cooper, and Lauren White. The burial will be at Oakwood Cemetery in Sheffield conducted by John Trapp.
Coach graduated from Auburn University, and during that time, he played basketball for one year. He received his Masters and EDS degrees from the University of North Alabama. He coached for 49 years at Sheffield High School, Colbert County High School, Northwest Shoals Community College, and Covenant Christian School where he amassed over 1000 wins throughout his career. Coach also served as principal at Cherokee Elementary School and Covenant Christian School. He was honored over the course of his career with induction into the Colbert County Hall of Fame, as well as having the basketball court at Covenant Christian dedicated in his name. His greatest accomplishment was being a loving husband, father, and grandfather. Coach was a dedicated servant of the Lord and a faithful member of Tuscumbia First Methodist Church.
He leaves to cherish his memories, his wife of 42 years, Anne Maples Deegan; children, Joseph Harold Deegan (Leah), Sarah Deegan Cooper (Beau); brother, James Arthur Deegan; grandchildren, Robert Deegan Cooper, Ellie Anne Deegan, Mollie Katherine Cooper, Samuel Cooper Deegan, Amelia Anne Cooper, William Scott Deegan, and Maggie Melissa Deegan.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph & Irene Deegan; and brother, John Deegan.
The pallbearers will be Beau Cooper, Deegan Cooper, Kurt Sasser, John Sasser, Beau Waldrep, Bret Waldrep, Tanner Maples, and John Trapp. The honorary pallbearers will be Whit Maples, Jim Maples, Tom Windsor, Glenn Elmore, Tommy Jones, Ronnie Wicks, Danny Sasser, Hal Mills, Kendrick Burns, Sam Deegan, and Will Deegan.
The family would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to Dr. Adam Isbell and the staff of Amedysis Hospice. Also, special thanks to Dr. Anthony Horton, Dr. Jack McClendon, Keller Home Health Care, and Visiting Angels.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Tuscumbia First Methodist Church or Covenant Christian School.
Please leave condolences for the family at morrisonfuneralhomes.com.
