William Harvey Childers

William Harvey Childers, 87, of Ripley, Mississippi, was born on May 10, 1939, and left his earthly home on July 23, 2026. He was born near the end of the Great Depression to sharecroppers on his grandfather’s farm. Harvey was the second of six children born to Wallace and Edith Garner Childers. After high school, Harvey attended Northeast Mississippi Community College and Delta State University before earning a bachelor's degree in education and a master’s degree in counseling from The University of Mississippi. Harvey began teaching and coaching at Thaxton High School before continuing his career at Myrtle High School, where he remained for the next eleven years. He accepted a position as head basketball coach at W.P. Daniel High School, where success came early with the 1977 3A State Championship. One of the highlights of his career was leading the Bulldogs to an undefeated 36-0 3A State Championship in 1985, a rarity at any level. Success continued to follow as he transitioned into collegiate athletics at Northeast Mississippi Community College. This included three Region 23 Championships, and in 1989 the Tigers were national runners-up in Hutchinson, Kansas. Following the completion of the 1992 season, which included another run to the NJCAA Tournament, he retired for the first time. Even in retirement, his love for the game brought him back to coaching at several high schools including Marshall Academy, Wheeler High School, and Ripley High School. His teams were successful, including multiple years competing in the state playoffs. The excitement generated during his tenure at Ripley helped lead to the development of the Ripley Event Center. In 2017, the basketball coaching legend served as interim athletic director at Blue Mountain College. This role allowed him to influence the athletic department in a different way as he worked with school administrators and coaches. His passion for working with young athletes and guiding athletic programs proved to be a rewarding experience. Through the years, Harvey had many honors bestowed upon him. He was inducted into the Mississippi Association of Coaches Hall of Fame in 1995, the Mississippi Association of Community & Junior Colleges Hall of Fame in 2008, and the Northeast Mississippi Community College Sports Hall of Fame in 2009. In December 2023, he was honored by Northeast Mississippi Community College with the Harvey Childers Classic, a two-day event named in his honor. He was a faithful member of Jacob’s Chapel Church and a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Beyond coaching, Harvey found joy in life's simple pleasures. He treasured the quiet, rural life of his farm, where he enjoyed working the land, cleaning up around the property, and caring for his horses. He also had a lifelong love of music, especially playing the guitar, though he had a remarkable ability to pick up and play nearly any stringed instrument. Having played since the age of 15, he continued to play country and gospel music with his brothers and friends weekly until his final years. Nothing brought him greater happiness than spending time with his family and supporting them in whatever passions they pursued. Harvey leaves behind a loving wife of 45 years, Gayle Ballard Childers. He is survived by four children: Beth Parks (Bill) of New Albany, Guy (Emily) of New Albany, Justin (Rebekah) of Nashville, TN, and Joseph (Whitney) of Tuscaloosa, AL; nine grandchildren: Sara Beth Cobb (Jonathan) of New York, NY, Anne Elise Pilipovich (Nick) of St. Louis, MO, Anslie Mills (Tripp) of Blue Mountain, Becca Sanders (South) of Chattanooga, TN, Lilly Cate Childers of New Albany, Willie and Emmy Lou Childers of Nashville, TN, Faith and Hope Childers of Tuscaloosa, AL; five great-grandchildren: Elisabeth and Everett Cobb of New York, NY, Clara and Colette Pilipovich of St. Louis, MO, Henry Mills of Blue Mountain; his siblings: John Childers (Betty) of Cotton Plant, Woodie Childers (Peggy) of Ripley, Martha Cappleman (Bruce) of Brandon, and Ricky Childers of Ripley; his in-laws: Carol and Jack Honsinger of Midland, GA, and Dan Wilson of New Albany, as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He is preceded in death by his parents, a baby sister, and his sister-in-law, Wanda Wilson. Pallbearers include Lannie Hopper, Andrew Hopper, Austin Hopper, Ronnie Dunnam, Ronnie Grisham, and Tim McDonald. Honorary pallbearers include fellow coaches, assistant coaches, players, managers, and special friends. The visitation and service will be held on August 1, 2026, at New Albany Memorial Gym from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. with the service immediately following. It will be officiated by Dr. Bruce Cappleman and assisting minister Bro. Ronnie Sweeney.

William Harvey Childers

May 10, 1939 - July 23, 2026