Obituary of Bill Earp

MARION, VIRGINIA: BILL EARP, age 81, died Monday, October 12, 2015 at his home in Marion, Va. Bill Earp was born in 1934 in Bristol, Va. and raised by a single mother. He played football for Virginia High School and went on to Emory & Henry to play football. He was named Little All American in football and inducted in the Emory & Henry Hall of Fame. His football jersey #39 was retired and is proudly displayed in the Football Hall of Fame at Emory & Henry. Upon graduating college he was immediately recruited as a coach for Marion Senior High School's football team. Coach Earp literally played an important role in the lives of many people whether on the field, if you were a jock, doober or doctor or even if he womped you through algebra; he was a person you would never forget. Although he spent much of his life in Marion, in all of his teaching and working, he began living life again when he reconnected with his friend and soulmate "Momma Nancy." He leaves behind a legacy of good sportsmanship, family, and love. Bill is survived by his wife, Nancy Weems Earp of Marion, Virginia; three sons, William Malcolm "Billy" Earp, Jr. of Johnson City, Tn., David Wyatt Earp and wife, Julie of Marion, Va., and Mark Sanford Earp and wife, Lisa of Galax, Va.; step-daughter, Lee Ann Prescott of Marion, Va.; sister, Betty Earp Hopper and husband, Clyde of Bristol, Va.; brother, James "Buddy" Earp of Christiansburg, Va.; eighteen grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his mother, Ruth Earp; sons, Michael Scott Earp and Bart C. Weems; brother, Tom Earp; and sister, Frances Earp. Funeral services will be held Thursday, October 15, 2015 at 8 p.m. at Seaver-Brown Chapel with Reverend Harry Howe officiating. Graveside services will be held Friday, October 16, 2015 at 11 a.m. at Rose Lawn Mausoleum. The family will receive friends Thursday from 5 until 8 p.m. at Seaver-Brown Chapel. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Emory & Henry, Bill Earp Football Scholarship, c/o Bank of Marion, P.O. Box 1067, Marion Va. 24354 or to Hospice of Southwest Virginia, 600 West Ridge Road, Wytheville, Va. 24382. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the family at www.seaverbrown.com. Seaver-Brown Funeral Service and Crematory is honored to serve the Earp Family.