Bill G. Templeton

Bill G. Templeton, 80, of Jonesboro, passed away Sunday morning, May 4, 2014, at his home. He was born on October 19, 1933, in Pocahontas, Ark. Bill is preceded in death by his parents Bernard and Beulah Templeton, three brothers: Howard Templeton, Freddie Templeton, and J.C. Jenkins; three sisters: Ruth DeJournett, Lucille Swick, and Virginia Jankowski. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Vonette (Mullen) Templeton, daughter, Ellen (Rob) Templeton-Lawrence, son, Bill V. Templeton, and grandson Eli Lawrence all of Jonesboro. Surviving siblings include, James (Pat) Templeton of Festus, Mo. and Margaret Ivy of Pocahontas. Additional surviving family members include many nieces and nephews. Honorary pallbearers will be Charles Luter, Dean Lee, Marvin Hagaman, Tim Keane, Dan Buckley, Frank Lee, Sue Lee, Tommy Davis, Bonnie Goad, Dennis Zolpher, Ouida Hardin, Steve Bryant, Tommy Reese, Dr. Ray Hall, Dr. Tim Langford, Phil Bridger, Gina Winchester, Bob Ferralasco, Ron Carroll, Dr. Darrell Broadway, Mike Gleghorn, Billy Joe Bailey, Larry Lacewell, Eldon Hawley, Terry Mohajir, the ASU Athletic Department, and all players that he has coached, the Morning Coffee Group, and the NE AR chapter of the Military Officers Association of America. Bill was a high school athlete for the Pocahontas Redskins from 1949 through 1952 and lettered in football, basketball, track and baseball. He was an all-American in football, and a two time all-State player as a running back. Bill attended college at the University of Arkansas in 1952-1953 and transferred to Arkansas State University in 1953 due to U of A's no married players rule. He signed at ASU under Coach Frosty England, lettering as a running back in 1954-55-56. He graduated from ASU in 1956. He served in the US Army in 1958 as a 1st Lieutenant. Bill held coaching positions with the Osceola Seminoles from 1959-1960, the Kennett Indians from 1960-1961, and the Blytheville Chickasaws from 1961-1965. He was head coach in Blytheville from 1962-1965. He coached the ASU Indians from 1965-1979 as an offensive backs coach under Coach Benny Ellender and as offensive coordinator under Coach Bill Davidson. Bill coached in three Pecan Bowls in 1968, 1969 and 1970. He coached on the 1970 and 1975 undefeated season teams. Bill often said he was an "Indian" throughout. He played for the Pocahontas Redskins, the ASU Indians, coached with the Osceola Seminoles, the Kennett Indians, the Blytheville Chickasaws and the ASU Indians, married a girl with Indian ancestry and lives on a street named Indian Trails. In 1979, he retired from coaching and become an Assistant Athletic Director for Fundraising and Director of the Indian Club. He raised money for the expansion of Indian football Stadium, and for the Ike Tomlinson baseball stadium lights. As Indian Club Director, he started the Tommy Bolt Indian Classic Golf Tournament and the Lit'lBita Christmas Arts and Crafts Show. Additionally, he raised money for the addition of the Larry Lacewell Locker Room and the Locker Legends. In December 1997, Bill retired from fundraising for ASU. That lasted for two weeks. In January of 1998, he came out of retirement to become the Director of Major Gifts and Planned Giving for the ASU Indian Club/Red Wolf Club. He held this position until December 2013. Bill was inducted into the ASU Ring of Honor in 1997 and the Letterman's Club Hall of Honor in 1987. In 2005, the Bill Templeton Recruiting Room in the football complex was named in his honor Additionally, he was the first recipient of the athletic program's Roast and Toast event. Bill enjoyed spending time with his family, was a fan of all sports, enjoyed a round of golf and fishing with his grandson. The family wishes to thank Bill's doctors and hospice caregivers; along with friends and family who have given so willingly of their love and support. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the Red Woves Foundation Memorial Fund for Bill Templeton, P.O. Box 2219, State University, Ark. 72467. Visitation will be Wednesday evening, May 7th from 5 to 8 p.m. at Emerson Funeral Home. A Celebration of life service will be Thursday morning, May 8th, 2014 at 11 a.m.at First Presbyterian Church in Jonesboro, Ark. with pastor Chris Jones officiating. Online registry at www.emrsonfuneralhome.com.