Howard Lynn "Coach" Cissell

Howard Lynn "Coach" Cissell, 80, passed away Sunday, February 19, 2017 at his home. He is survived by Janie Bianca Cissell of Snellville, Ga., his loving wife of 58 years, and many family members and friends: Howard, Jr. and Cynthia Cissell of Watson, La. (son and daughter in-law), John Cissell of Marietta, Ga. (son), Marty and Deanna Bennett of Jonesboro, Ark. (son in-law and daughter), Mickey and Sharron Cissell of Hot Springs, Ark. (brother and sister in-law), 10 grandchildren, five great-grandchildren and numerous others who loved him dearly. Howard lived a life of accomplishment, commitment, and all-around decency. Born in Basset, Arkansas on August 21, 1936 to parents Levi and Genice Cissell, Howard graduated from Wilson High School where he excelled in football, basketball, and track. Upon graduation, he was awarded a scholarship from Arkansas State University to play football and run track. He continued to excel at Arkansas State and went on to play professionally for the Baltimore Colts and the Montreal Allouettes. He was elected into the Arkansas State University Hall of Honor and was selected to the "All Centennial Football Team.". Although Howard said he never had a job, he accomplished much in his working life. When his playing days were over, Howard became a football coach, an activity that anointed him with the moniker of "Coach," The name most people reverently called him for the rest of his life. He coached successfully at the high school and college levels, finishing at the University of Iowa in 1981 before going to work for A.L. Williams Insurance in Atlanta, Georgia, where he became a founding member of St. Olvier Plunkett Catholic Church in Snellville, Georgia. In business, Howard worked with the same spirit that he had carried with him through his coaching days. Above all else, Howard had a way of making everyone feel like they were his best friend. He inspired those he met with his positive nature, his loyalty, and his humor. For Howard, times of concern were not something to be frightened by but a chance to make another story- of stories, he had many. An example of Howard's personality shone through one day when a player walked into his office and told him that he wanted to speak with him directly. "Okay," Howard said with an air of concern. The boy said he was fed up with the two-a-day practices and wanted to quit the team. Disappointed but understanding, Howard told him that he actually agreed with the boy, two-a-days were a difficult time. They should probably make rules against it. It was hot outside and it would be a lot more fun to go fishing. However, with this being said, there was a slight issue. As much as he would love to let the boy quit, the deadline for doing such a thing had passed. In fact, last Wednesday was the final day to quit the team, and since the boy had not applied by the deadline, he would just have to stay on the team (for this season at least). The boy played for several weeks before realizing he could quit. He never did. When visiting with Howard, we all felt that we were in the presence of a great man, someone who had stepped down to Earth momentarily in order to show us what life could be like if we just had the right attitude. His loyalty and positive nature resonates through the fiber of his family and friends. He will continue to be with us in our hearts and minds, and we will continue to feel blessed for having such a great man in our lives. He made us better and made the world a better place. May he rest in peace. Funeral Mass will be held at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, February 22, 2017 at St. Oliver Plunkett Catholic Church, Snellville, Georgia. Graveside service will be held at 3 p.m. on Saturday, February 25, 2017 at Mississippi County Memorial Gardens in Osceola, Arkansas.The family will receive friends from 2- 3 p.m. on Saturday, Febuary 25, 2017 at Roller-Swift Funeral Home, Osceola, Arkansas. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Arrangements by Tim Stewart Funeral Home, 300 Simonton Road S.W., Lawrenceville, Ga. 30046. 770-962-3100. Please leave online condolences at stewartfh.com.