Trinity Valley Community College today sadly announces the death of football coaching assistant Bill Neal.

Neal, who served as coach for Cardinal kickers, died Sunday, Sept. 17, 2023, at the age of 82. He was born Sept. 20, 1940.

"Coach Neal was a great man and well respected," said sixth-year Cardinal head football coach Sherard Poteete. "He was a big part of our program and did a tremendous job helping develop our kickers.

"This is a big loss for our program. Our kids and staff will miss him and his friendliness and professionalism."

Neal graduated from Hiram College in Ohio with a BA in Health and Physical Education and a master's degree from Southern Illinois University.

He had coaching stints at Maryland University and Southern Illinois University as well as coaching 10 years of high school football in Florida, serving as both offensive and defensive coordinator, as well as special teams coach for several successful programs.

Neal helped Ben Agajanian, one time Dallas Cowboy kicking coach, run his national kicking camps for several summers.

He and wife Donna, who lived just north of Athens, have six grown children, 10 grandchildren and two great-granddaughters.