William Wilthong

William Gene Wilthong, 70, of Scott City passed away Tuesday, Dec. 27, 2011, at his home.

He was born Sept. 30, 1941, in Paragould, Ark., son of Frank and Lucy Darnell Wilthong. He and Linda Starr were married Aug. 9, 1964, in Paragould.

William graduated from Arkansas State University in 1965. He was hired to coach and start up the junior high football program in the Scott City School District in the fall of 1965. He taught physical education, drivers education, and coached junior high football and B team basketball several years, and then was named head coach of the senior high football team in 1969.

During his tenure he not only coached senior high football but also coached the senior high baseball team. He took the football and baseball teams to the state playoffs twice. After 30 years Coach Wilthong retired in 1995.

After he retired he served on the Scott City School Board 12 years. He enjoyed the time he served on the board and took this position very seriously.

Loving survivors include his wife of 47 years, Linda; a son, Kevin (LeAnn) Wilthong of Scott City; a daughter, Ann (Danny) Wagoner of Chaffee, Mo.; three grandchildren, Ty and Ashley Wilthong and Lauren Wagoner; two sisters, Helen Hudgens of Stuttgart, Ark., Ellen Camron of Paragould; and a brother, James Wilthong of Puxico, Mo.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Amick-Burnett Funeral Chapel in Scott City.

The funeral will be at 10 a.m. Friday at the chapel, with the Rev. Jeff Long officiating. Burial will be in Lightner Memorial Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Scott City or Chaffee athletic departments.