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Claude Stoutamire Obituary
Claude "Coach" Stoutamire, born in 1924 and member of a 4th generation Leon County pioneer family, died October 7, 2013. He graduated from Leon High School in 1943 where he was a standout in basketball and track, holding the state records for many years in the high jump.
Following high school came three years of military service in the Army during WWII. His service to his county was one of his proudest accomplishments.
After his discharge in 1946, instead of returning to play basketball for the University of Florida, he chose to play for Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, Louisiana. While there he led the Gulf State Conference in scoring for three years and also made honorable mention All American. He also participated in one of the first true national tournaments held for intercollegiate basketball. In addition, he lettered four years in track and held the conference high jump record at 6'4" for many years. Due to his prowess on the basketball court and track, he was inducted into the Northwestern State University Hall of Fame in 1980. He graduated with a degree in Education in 1950 and then completed his Masters in Education from Stephen F. Austin State University. However, he was not done playing basketball, playing as a member of the two time US American Legion Basketball National Championship team.
After college, he coached one year in Louisiana and then returned home to Tallahassee to teach and coach at Leon High School. He is best known as the beloved head basketball coach from 1951-1973 where in the first five years he produced two conference championships. He was also a fearless drivers education teacher and loveably tormented P.E. teacher.
A well known animal lover, he enjoyed the company of his dogs, cats, goats, chickens, turkeys, horses, donkey and deer.
He leaves behind his loving wife of 62 years, Barbara (née Richter) of Tallahassee; children, Barbara, Ric (and wife, Becky) and Chris, all of Monticello; grandchildren, John, Tori, Alex, Casey, and Jeff; and four great grandchildren including his beloved "Muff" Mary Catherine.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Big Bend Hospice of Jefferson County or Big Bend Hospice House. (1723 Mahan Center Blvd., Tallahassee, FL 32308).
A service will be held on Tuesday, October 15th at 2:00pm at Culley's Chapel on Riggins Road.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Claude Stoutamire
Bill Palmer
October 19, 2013
I am sorry for your loss. Coach was mentor to me and many other young men. He had a unique way of communicating. I can only remember snippits of our conversations but one in particular comes to mind. On one occasion, all he said to me was, "well?" This particular discussion occurred after I had surgical correction of a break of the 5th metatarsal on my right hand, suffered during practice in the old gym prior to the '64-'65 season. "Well?", Coach said. I haven't thought about it in years. Now, it hits me like Bill Stanfield. This was a teachable moment. Coach did a lot of that. Coach did not lecture me about my anger and my temper tantrums. He subtly gave me the message, which I learned. I continue to learn from his lessons. If I can be half the man Coach Stoutamire was, I'll do fine.
Ruth Godfrey
October 16, 2013
I'm so sorry to learn of your loss, and glad I had the chance to see at least some of you recently. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Godspeed to a beloved friend. Time passes but does not dull the memories of such good times.
Nellie Godfrey Baumgarten
October 16, 2013
There are so many wonderful memories of our Dog Island extended family. Coach Stoutamire also took me from study hall to get papers for my driving test and due to a new state law I came back with my license. Mother was a grey lady in the clinic that year and in shock. Much love to the family and prayers that you will be comforted by your memories. He was such a kind and gentle man.
Walter Rowell
October 15, 2013
Sometimes you are blessed to meet a true gentleman that leave a lasting impression. Mr. Stoutamire was one of those men.
Clayton Neal Ryan
October 14, 2013
I was saddened to learn of your passing and I've had a heavy heart since then. You were someone I've always admire and patterned a portion of my life after. I was always pleased to call you cousin and often bragged to my friends about my favorite college basketball player who was an All-American and proved my point when Northwestern came to Mobile to play Spring Hill and won -- one of the best nights of my growing up years. My love to Barbara and your family
Carol Price
October 14, 2013
Dear Ric, Becky and family,
I'm so sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Cathy Van Atta
October 14, 2013
Casey, I'm sorry for your loss. I know how special your Grandfather was to you and your family.
Judy Laster
October 14, 2013
Coach you will be missed by all who were blessed to have known you. I am glad God allowed our paths to cross all those years ago. To your family I send my deepest sympathy.
Debi Lischer Mullenioux
October 13, 2013
Uncle Claude, always kind, patient and generous. I have beautiful memories of time with him on Dog Island and he always made us feel welcome and loved. He was one of those from the Greatest generation of our country and our family. We will miss him always.
Carol Nunn Midler
October 13, 2013
Coach Stoutamire was a true gentleman and made this world a better place.
Class of '55 Reunion, in 1995
Ferrell Elliott
October 13, 2013
My varsity coach 1953-55, Coach Stoutamire will continue to occupy a prominent place in my book of high school memories. He took us to the NEC Conference Championship in 1954-54. Aside from his leadership as a coach, he was a mentor in other ways, as well. A fine example of a man worth emulating. I always looked forward to returning to Tallahassee for our high school reunions, knowing that our beloved basketball coach and his lovely wife, Barbara, would also be there. May you rest for eternity in peace, Coach, with the knowledge that you left behind countless thousands of grateful students and athletes who will miss you until the end of their own days on this earth. "Thanks, Coach."
Bob & Mary Helen Fraser
October 13, 2013
He was a special person. Well loved by all. He was revered as a coach, a friend, an educator and a Christian. He will be missed by all. My wife and are thankful we were able to attend Leon High while he was there.(Class of 57/58)
Franklin Thompson
October 13, 2013
I played for coach Stoutamire as a Senior at Leon (Fall 1965-1966). It's sad to know that another part of my high school years is gone.
Thanks Coach, for some really good times at Leon.
David
October 13, 2013
Being a student at Leon from 1963 - '66, he was the one teacher that commanded respect simply because he gave respect. I will never forget the fact that he would not scheduled ball games on Wednesday because it interfered with prayer meeting. He was the best of the good guys! God Bless "Coach" and his family!
October 13, 2013
R.I.P. Coach.
ervin beagles
Vena Stoutamire Lapping
October 12, 2013
Uncle Claude was a proud Stoutamire and a kind southern gentleman. He grew up with my daddy , a cousin, but more like a brother. He was a huge presence in my life growing up in Jackson Bluff. Great legacy ileft behind as a coach and family man. He will always be"Uncle Bull" to us.
Doug Ireland
October 10, 2013
A beloved teammate at Northwestern State ... a lifelong friend to all those boys ... I had the privilege of speaking with Mr. Stoutamire, and his teammates, and know the love they shared for each other. Everyone at NSU sends their condolences to the family and friends, and celebrates the life of the man his teammates knew as "Jodie" - one of the best basketball players and people in our 100 years of playing the sport.
B.W. Stoutamire
October 10, 2013
Claude was one of the good guys, and a great basketball coach. Always enjoyed chatting with Claude, a very pleasant man.
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