LeRoy "Coach" Pearce

LeRoy "Coach" Pearce, 86, of Black Oak, passed peacefully in his sleep on Wednesday night, Aug. 6, 2014 succumbing to the complications of Alzheimer's disease. He was preceded in death by his father, Herbert (a native Englishman) who was a rancher; mother, Lucille; and siblings, Sidney, Anna Mae, Warren and Catherine Joy. He is survived by his son, Chuck and wife Linda; and his three grandchildren, Christopher, Adam and Alexa all of Little Rock; and two daughters, Robin and husband Tom, and Susan all of Houston, Texas. Coach Pearce was born Sept. 25, 1927 in Casper, Wyo., where he spent summers on the family ranch evolving into a true cowboy. He also developed a love for cars, buying his first Model T at age 10. In high school, he was a star multi-sport athlete who was twice voted the outstanding halfback in the state and also twice led scoring in the state track meet in sprinting and jumping. His athletic ability earned him a football scholarship at University of Wyoming where he played tailback and wingback, winning all conference honors under Bowden Wyatt in 1947. Amazingly, he averaged over five yards per carry during his career. He also lettered in track as a low hurdler and sprinter. In his senior year, 1949, Wyoming secured its first conference football title. He was the Senior class President (and best dancer). It was the summer of 1950 that he was appointed assistant freshman coach at Wyoming under Bowden Wyatt. Before completing an entire season, LeRoy was called to serve in the US Army at Ft Riley, Kan., during the Korean Conflict. He was honorably discharged as a Corporal. He returned to coaching in 1951 embarking upon an extraordinary career. He and the Wyoming coaching staff moved on to the University of Arkansas, where they led the famed, "Twenty Five Little Pigs" to the Southwest Conference Title and the Cotton Bowl in 1954. From there, the same staff moved on to Tennessee, where LeRoy enjoyed double highlights in 1956, coaching at the Sugar bowl and welcoming his first born child, son Chuck, into the world. He then had stints at Iowa State, Nebraska and Georgia, finishing his coaching career at University of Miami. During his career, LeRoy recruited and coached numerous outstanding players including Ted Hendrix, a member of both college and pro football halls of fame, Johnny Majors, former Tennessee great and head coach, Chuck Foreman, Pat Fisher, Ed Weisacosky, Tom Beier and many others. In 1971, LeRoy moved his family to Fayetteville, Ark. where he began a business career in commercial and residential real estate. Because of his success, many people benefited from his generosity. He was the longtime president of the Northwest Arkansas Riding Club. He carried his football coaching career to the softball field in the late 70's where he guided his daughter, Susan's softball team, and was an inspiration to many young women. LeRoy avidly and proudly attended every school activity that involved his children and grandchildren including football, softball, golf, tennis, choir and many more. He loved living at his ranch in Black Oak along with his horses and dogs. In honoring LeRoy's longtime wishes family memorial services will be private. Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Arkansas Programs and Services, 201 Markham Center Drive, Little Rock, Ark. 72205. Arrangements are with Heritage Funeral Home in Springdale.