Robert (Bob) Yancey, age 82, of Columbia, TN passed away peacefully at home on June 29. 2022. His life boldly reflected Proverbs 22:1, “A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches. Loving favor rather than silver and gold”.
Bob was born on November 9, 1939, in Memphis TN, to the late Archie Maurice, and Eunice Harvey Yancey. He is survived by his loving wife, Janet Hatley of 59 years, and his sons, Rob (Tammy) of Denver, CO, Jay of Nashville, TN, Ben (Susan) of Bell Buckle, TN, two granddaughters, Laura Kate and Anna Grace Yancey. And siblings, Arch Yancey of Alvin, TX and Fred Yancey of Birmingham, AL.
Bob is a 1957 graduate of Messick High School in Memphis. He earned his BS in 1962 and MA in 1967 from Memphis State University. In 1988, he completed his Plus 45 from Middle TN State University.
While still a student at MSU, Bob was offered the opportunity to coach the junior high football and track team at Messick High School. This was his first paid coaching job and the beginning of a long coaching career.
Succeeding coaching stints at Colonial Junior High School and Memphis Overton High School from 1962
to 1968, Bob was named Head Football Coach at Collierville High School. The 1971 Collierville team was
TSSAA State runners-up and the 1973 team advanced to the Semi-Finals of the State playoffs. In 1974,
he became the Head Football Coach and Athletics Director at Briarcrest High School until 1982. During
this tenure, his teams won a district championship and played in three post-season bowl games. In 1983, he assumed the Head Coaching position at Columbia Central High School in Columbia, TN, and began teaching American history. While at CCHS, his teams played in four post-season games and won a district championship. Entering school administration in 1991, he served as Assistant Principal at Whitthorne Middle School and in 1995 became Principal. In 2005, he re-entered coaching to become Head Football Coach at Zion Christian Academy (Columbia, TN) and earned multiple playoff appearances while holding this position until retirement in 2012. During his career, he amassed six Coach of the Year awards. Twice coached the TSSAA All-Star Football teams and was named Outstanding Teacher of the Year. Although coaching and teaching were important to him, Bob’s passion was serving Christ and the hundreds of students and players his life would influence. A good coach can change a game, but a great coach can change a life. He lived by Phillipians 3:8, “I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord”.
A graveside service will be held with family, former players, and coaches at 3 pm, Thursday, July 7, 2022
at Zion Presbyterian Churchyard, 2322 Zion Rd. Columbia, TN. This will be followed by public visitation from 4 pm to 8 pm.
A Celebration of a Life Well-lived service will be held on Friday, July 8 at 12 pm also at Zion Presbyterian Church.
Services will be officiated by Don Wahlman and Russ Adcox. Pallbearers: Ronnie Johnson, Steve Wheary, Randy Bratton, Bill Doss, Walt Holman, Kerry Buchannan, Eric Goodman, Jerry Pierce.
Honorary Pallbearers: Players, Students, Teachers and Coaches. Dr. Lucy Ledbetter, Caris Hospice, Ladies of Zion Presbyterian, Ben and Kathy Brown
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Zion Christian Academy located at 6901 Old Zion Rd, Columbia, TN 38401 and Duck River Fellowship of Christian Athletes located at 2002 Oakland Parkway Columbia, TN 38401. www.duckriverFCA.org
Oakes & Nichols Funeral Directors are assisting the family with arrangements and condolences may be extended online at www.oakesandnichols.com.
