Dr. Willie J. Malone went to heaven on February 27, 2020. He was husband to Jane Elizabeth Malone. He was Dad to Kristi, Kimber and John. He was Poppie to Greenlee, Bailey, Riley, Natasha, Moe and Peyton. He was son to AC and Molly Malone. He was brother to Doodle and Bud. He was uncle to Charles, Kelvin, Kelly, Keith and Tut. He was coached by the legendary Buck VanHuss. He was Coach to many including the most memorable Blazers. He was a second Dad to Amy, Kitty, Vandi, Michelle and John John. He was lifelong teammate to Jarfly, Jerry, Carl, Jimmy, Cotton, Scottie, Bobby and Wes. He was close friends with Duane, Les, Keith and CY. He was an eye doctor, a pastor, and a principal and sometimes an entrepreneur. If he ever checked your eyes, you knew he was giving you the best vision possible. If you were lucky enough to get to see him play any kind of sport, you got to see talent paired with unshakable determination to be the best. If you were on his team, you knew what it was like to play with somebody that wouldn’t let you down and would never put you down. If you were blessed enough to get to play for him, you knew what it was like to be coached by somebody that loved the game and knew how to teach you to play it. If he was ever your principal, you knew he wouldn’t let you go too far off your path. If you ever heard him preach, you knew he was a great teacher and absolutely loved unraveling the mysteries of God’s word. Sometimes the basketball legend overshadowed the man. Sometimes the preacher was lost in the fire. He planted good seeds in people. He made a difference and left a mark. He was loved and will be missed.
Instead of a traditional funeral, we are going to the place he started his remarkable journey. Please join us Saturday, March 14, 5-7 p.m., at Hampton High School gymnasium. Pastor Bobby Stout will be officiating. In lieu of flowers, if you would like to honor Dr. Willie Malone’s memory, please contribute to Class of 1960 Hampton High School Scholarship Fund, c/o Wes Forbes, 620 Gap Creek Road, Elizabethton, TN 37643. We hope if he had an impact on your life, you will come share your story with us. Memories and condolences can be shared at www.mtnempirecbs.com.
Mountain Empire Cremation and Burial Services, 125 East Jackson Blvd., Suite 3, Jonesborough, TN 37659, 423-547-0379 is honored to be serving the Malone family. The Obituary was written in loving memory by his family.