Edward S. Temple
Nashville, TN
Edward Stanley Temple, age 89, passed away peacefully on Thursday, September 22, 2016. Coach Temple was a legendary track and field pioneer and coach. He was head women's track and field coach at Tennessee State University for 44 years, and head coach of the U.S. Olympic women's track and field team in 1960 and 1964, assistant coach 1980. He led 40 members of the TSU Tigerbelles team to 23 Olympic medals (13 Gold, 6 Silver, 4 bronze). The Tigerbelles also won 34 national championships under his leadership.
After retiring from professional coaching in 1994, Temple remained active in Nashville community affairs, including service on the Nashville Sports Authority, and the Nashville Sports Council. In July 2012, Temple was inducted into the U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame. In August 2015, a 9-foot tall bronze statue of Temple was unveiled at First Tennessee Park.
Coach Temple was predeceased by his wife of 57 years, Charlie B. (Law) Temple. He leaves to honor his memory: loving and devoted daughter, Dr. Edwina R. Temple; son, Lloyd Bernard (Vivian); grandson, Keenan; sister-in-law, Hattie L. (Kenneth) McKay; nieces and nephews; devoted grandnephew Jeffery (June) Law, Pittsburg, PA; many other grandnephews and grandnieces; the couple's "adopted" daughters, the Temple Tigerbelles of TSU's Women's Track and Field; and numerous relatives, friends and admirers.
A public memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, September 30, in Kean Hall of the Floyd-Payne Campus Center at Tennessee State University.
A private Celebration of Life service for family and friends will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, October 1, at Clark Memorial United Methodist Church, 1014 14th Avenue North. Visitation with family 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. Omega Memorial Service of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. at 10:30 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to:The Temple Fund c/o The Community Foundation of Middle TN,3833 Cleghorn Avenue Nashville, TN 37215 or at www.cfmt.org.
Visit other memorial sites:
www.tsutigers.com/news/articles/2016-17/7049/ed-temple-a-life-worthy-of-gold/
www.tnstate.edu/edtemple/index.aspx
Services entrusted to Lewis & Wright F.D. (615) 255-2371.
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