Coach Billy Pigg passed away Tuesday morning, June 6, 2017, at NHC of Pulaski. He was born in Pulaski on December 2, 1935 and was 81 years old. His career in athletics began in 1947 in junior high and continued to Giles County High School where he played under Coaches Jack Deere and Sonny Cone. Coach Pigg served over 40 years as a teacher and coach here in Giles County where he achieved three girl’s softball state championships along with two girl’s basketball state championships.
After graduating from Giles County High, he spent his freshman year at Middle Tennessee State University and then transferred to Martin College for his sophomore year. He graduated from David Lipscomb University in 1957 with a bachelor’s degree and started his career at the junior high level at the old West Hill High School. He spent the next three summers earning a master’s degree at Peabody College. As a teacher and a coach, he impacted an untold number of students spanning from West Hill High School, Bridgeforth Middle School, and finally to Giles County High School. He led by setting an example of loyalty and caring for his students and athletes. His leadership and presence was felt in T-Ball, Pop Warner Football, junior high levels, and at the high school where his legacy of honesty and commitment lives on.
Coach Pigg was also instrumental in the success of the Richland Girls Softball Park. In the early days, he volunteered his time and attention to maintaining the fields, coaching, and successfully helping the park to expand and grow. He was also a deacon at East Hill Church of Christ for many years. Counting his playing years, Coach Pigg’s presence on the sports fields of Giles County spanned 54 years. He touched the lives of so many players, students, parents, and peers. He led by example and his gift to the community lives on.
Visitation will be 4 o’clock until 8 o’clock Thursday, June 8, 2017, at Bennett-May-Giles County Funeral Home.
Funeral Service will be 11 o’clock Friday in the chapel of Bennett-May-Giles County Funeral Home with Bro. Jonathan Burns officiating.
Burial will be in Maplewood Cemetery
Memorial donations in honor of Coach Pigg are suggest to the Charity of Your Choice.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Faydean Landreth Pigg, and parents, William Bryan and Essie White Pigg, Sr. Brother, James Alton Pigg and sister, Jennie Jo Vise.
He is survived by his Son, Phil (Terri) Pigg of Smyrna, TN.
Daughter, Beverly Pigg of Pulaski, TN.
Grandson, Will Pigg of Smyrna, TN.
Sister-in-laws, Judy Landreth and Pam Pigg of Pulaski, TN.
Nieces, Patti (Fred) Abernathy and Dottie (Rob) Liles of Pulaski and Allison Landreth of Nashville, TN.
Great-nieces, Mary Catherine Abernathy of Brentwood, Tn. and Margaret Liles of Knoxville, TN.
Great-nephew, Sam Abernathy of Brentwood, TN.
Sharkey Pigg, Beloved “Granddog” of Smyrna, TN.
Bennett-May-Giles County Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements for Coach Billy Pigg.
