Emmit Elbert Kizzia

Emmit Elbert Kizzia, son of the late William Fletcher Kizzia and Jessie Mae McMillen Kizzia, was born June 27, 1922 in Murfreesboro, Ark. He departed this life July 16, 2012, in Calico Rock, Ark., at the age of 90 years. He attended Henderson State Teachers College in Arkadelphia in 1940. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1942 to 1946. After his tour of duty he completed his Bachelor of Science in Education degree in 1948. He was united in marriage to Martha Sue Harrelson of Fordyce, Ark. Three children were born to this marriage: Emmit Elbert "Chip" Kizzia Jr., Suzanne Kizzia, and martha Alice Kizzia. Mr. Kizza was a teacher and head football, basketball, and track coach at Benton High School from 1948 to 1959. In 1959 he received his master's degree from George Peabody College for Teachers in Nashville, Tenn. He also completed 32 hours at ASU in Jonesboro to earn his Public School Administration degree. He served as high school principal at Dierks, Ark., from 1960-1964. He was high school principal at Hazen High School from 1964 to 1970. He served as superintendent until 1975. He finished his education career as Superintendent of Calico Rock School from 1975 to 1982. He was a member of NEA, AEA, Arkansas Assn. of Administrators, an officer of the District Athletic Assn., a member of the American Legion, a Sunday School teacher, Calico Rock City council member from 1991-2006, and a Lion's Club member. Mr. Kizzia accomplished many awards in his life. Among these are All-State at Henderson State College 3 years for football; Outstanding Intramural Athlete at Henderson; Administrator of the Year 1972; Henderson State University Athletes Riddie Hall of Honor, 2008; State of Arkansas citation for honoring former coaches, 2006. He was of Baptist faith and a member of the Calico Rock Baptist Church. He is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Martha Sue Kizzia, and loving daughter Martha Alice Kizzia, both of Calico Rock. He will always be remembered as a beloved son, husband, and father. He is preceded in death by his parents; his daughter, Suzanne and son, Chip, and his brother, Fletcher Kizzia. Visitation is at Eddie's Family Funeral Home on July 18, 2012. Funeral services will be July 19 at the Calico Rock Baptist Church at 1. Memorials may be made to the Coach Elbert Kizzia Scholarship Committed sponsored by athletes he coached during his tenure at Benton High School in Benton, Ark.