Jerry Dwain Mote

Jerry Dwain Mote, affectionally known as "Coach Mote" to all, passed on to be with God on July 25, 2022. He was a faithful and devoted husband, father, teacher, coach and mentor. But, most of all, he was an example for us all to follow. He was a rock for all that knew him. His faith in God, despite this world, never waivered. He was born in Justin, Texas, on March 28, 1941, to Allen Dwain and Evelyn Thomas Mote. He grew up in Gainesville, Texas. He loved Gainesville and often traveled there until his mother passed peacefully in 2006. Coach Mote is survived by his wife of 60 years, Betty Lynn Sowell Mote; two children that loved him dearly, daughter, Angie (Patrick) Henrie and son, Greg Dwain (Shannon) Mote; one brother, Gail (Sandy) Mote; one sister, Rhonda (Lanny) Hillis; one sister-in-law, Nancy Sowell (Dr. David) Hatfield; seven grandchildren, Dillon Howard, Emma (Josh) Nguyen, Ben Howard, Wyatt Mote, Garrett Mote, Michael and Abby Hamby along with his nieces and nephews and other extended family and many many friends. Dad had been a team captain for the Harding Bisons Football team. In 1984 the Searcy Lions, with Coach Mote as the Head Football Coach, were the runner-up State Champions, and he was awarded the 1984 Outstanding Coach. In 1994 he was inducted into the Harding University Sports Hall of Fame. In 2006 he was recognized by the Searcy School District for 43 years of service in teaching and inducted to the Hall of Honor in 2008. In 2014 Harding University Honored him for the 1959 team. That honor can be viewed today on the back of the Scoreboard at First Security Stadium. He is number "25". Dad taught me and my sister about God and the sacrifice of His own son and taught us every story in the Bible. He baptized all of his grandchildren. Coach Mote loved his neighbor and never rejected anyone. Because of his personal relationship with, and immense love for God, he only wanted to live as an example. He succeeded in this endeavor. Mark Twain once wrote that we should all endeavor to live in such a way that even the undertaker would be sorry to see you go. My dad achieved that. He will be missed. Dad always kept a sign on the door to his office that read, "When the whip brushes by the flank of a mule, he balks and sulks. But when the whip snaps against the thoroughbred, it responds with all its courage and strength!" "Be the thoroughbred," Dad always told us. "Praise God in all weathers!" May we all live by his example, which was to follow the example of Jesus! Endurance of Faith to all, for Dad Fought the Good Fight and He Finished the Race. The services for Coach Mote are scheduled for Visitation at the Downtown Church of Christ Family Life Center on Thursday evening, July 28, 2022, from 5–7 p.m., with the Funeral to be held on Friday, July 29, 2022, at 10 a.m., also at the church Family Life center. The family has asked that any Memorials be made to either Searcy High School Football Foundation or Harding University Football Foundation in Coach Mote's name. All services are under the direction of Roller-Daniel Funeral Home. Online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com.