Long-time coach, friend Tennison passes away

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Long-time coach, friend Tennison passes away

Van Wade The Orange Leader

ORANGEFIELD — A man that improved the lives of thousands of students at Orangefield High School for 24 years lost his life after a courageous battle against cancer Friday night at his home.

William “Bill” Tennison, 76, will always simply be remembered as “Coach” to many Orangefield residents.

Tennison was also extremely thought of by coaches and players across Southeast Texas as he led the Lady Bobcats to numerous playoff appearances and was also a top-notch track coach along with several sports at the school.

Tennison spent 24 of his 40 years in the teaching and coaching profession in the Orangefield School District. While he was leading the Lady Bobcats to all of those winning campaigns, he was also responsible for organizing the Fellowship of Christian Athletes along with the Little Dribblers program.

Tennison was always about the kids he taught and coached at the school. No matter how successful the Lady Bobcats were on any night, Tennison was always the first coach to call in scores and reports on how well his girls did. He always said “No matter how good or bad we played, we always have some kids that played well and they deserve the recognition.”

Tennison was also an avid Texas A&M University fan that was never afraid to pick on a certain Orange Leader sports editor, who likes the Texas Longhorns. But that sports editor treasured Coach Tennison and his entire family as he and Darlene’s children have all become successful in life, another item that Coach Tennison was always proud to discuss.

His off the court accolades will be remembered as well.

He was a member of the Gideons International since 1972 and was a former chairman of the local Republican Party. Tennison was also a deacon and member of Calvary Baptist Church.

Funeral services are tentatively set for 4:00 p.m. Tuesday, September 7, 2010, at the Orangefield High School Gymnasium. Officiating will be Reverend David Milner, Reverend Bobby Spross, and speaker Robert Thomas. Burial will follow at Autumn Oaks in Orange, Texas. Visitation will be from 5:00-9:00 p.m., Monday at Claybar Funeral Home in Orange. Born in Anton, Texas on March 13, 1934, Bill was the son of Lillie Mae (Keen) and Willie Hobson Tennison.

Tennison is survived by his wife of 55 Years, Darlene B. Tennison; son and daughter-in-law, John and Gaye Tennison of North Carolina; daughter and son-in-law, Becky and Cecil "Sparky" Sparks of Orange; son and daughter-in-law, Jerry and Melissa Tennison of Spring; daughter, Michelle Tennison of Alexandria, Virginia; son and daughter-in-law, Jim and Tiffany Tennison of Euless; and 12 grandchildren, John David, Mark Andrew, Paul Joseph Tennison, Kristen Sparks, Brandon Sparks, Casey Sparks, Mitchell Tennison, Cassie Tennison, Abby Tennison, Will Tennison, Micah Tennison, and Sevyn Tennison.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Gideons International, P.O. Box 140800, Nashville, Tennessee, 37214.