Add a Memory
Make a Donation
Joe Dan Gold Obituary
Gold, a Benton, Ky., native, averaged 12.3 points and 7.8 rebounds per game from 1961 to '63 as the Bulldogs won or shared three Southeastern Conference titles. During his career, Mississippi State had a 65-13 overall record, including 36-6 in SEC play.
The 6-foot-5 senior was a team captain as a senior, leading the Bulldogs to their first NCAA tournament appearance in 1963, where they lost to Loyola of Chicago 61-51 in the first round. It was the first game Mississippi State played against black players.
The Bulldogs, who were coached by Babe McCarthy, had to sneak out of the state for the game because of an unwritten rule that state universities would not play integrated teams. Then MSU President Dr. Dean Wallace Colvard also helped the Bulldogs make the trip, defying Gov. Ross Barnett and a court injuncti on by the Mississippi legislature.
"I would like to express my sincerest sympathies to the family of Joe Dan Gold," MSU athletic director Scott Stricklin said in a released statement. "He was a great Bulldog and a leader on one of the greatest teams in school history, the 1963 team that played in the NCAA tournament, a moment in history that will never be forgotten."
Gold coached at Mississippi State from 1965-1970, with a 51-74 record over five seasons.
Gold also coached at Paducah Community College and Mercer in the 1970s before entering into high school administration in Kentucky.
Gold was elected into Mississippi State's Athletic Hall of Fame in 1996, and was recognized as an SEC legend in 2003.
Copyright © 2011 The Associated Press
36 Entries
Denise Gibson
April 24, 2011
Rosemarie,
I just found out that your husband passed away. My heart goes out to you. You were always so gracious as a fellow HSE.
I have family that lives in West Liberty, and although I never met your husband, I have heard nothing but good things about him.
I will keep you in my prayers.
Coy Hellard
April 21, 2011
Mr. Gold, what a friend! I will always remember the small glimpse of Joe Dan's life that I was able to share, while at Williamstown. I truly enjoyed our afternoon golfing days. A big man with a big heart! I am so sorry to hear of his passing; My heart is forever saddened, my memories are full. What a pleasure to have known such a wonderful family and such a unique man. May our paths cross again, and if not then, I have been satisfied by his presence. Remembering the good times, always I remain in gratitude.
Coy Hellard
April 21, 2011
Mr. Gold was most of all a friend. I truly enjoyed the small glimpse of his life that I got to share while at Williamstown. The days we spent golfing, I will never forget.....A big man with a big heart....I didn’t even know he was a legend; I was just inspired by his presence. I am truly sorry to hear of his passing....my heart is saddened..my memories are full. I remain a friend,
Dona Renfro
April 18, 2011
A big man with a big heart, Joe Dan made an impression on all who met him. So many people have benefited because of his dedication to improving education.
How you can show support
Coach Bill Cox
April 18, 2011
Rosemarie,
My heart is saddened upon hearing of the passing of Joe Dan. I had great respect and love for all of you. My one year at Fleming County was made special by our families sharing. I have thought often and wondered how you were all doing, but had no idea this was coming, I am so sorry. My thoughts and prayers are with you and the family in this time of sorrow. Even thought time has passed, memorys have not, and I have lost a special friend. May God comfort you all.
April 18, 2011
My condolences to the Gold family on your loss. Please take comfort in knowing that the God of all comfort is with you as you cope.
Angela Gary Wilkins
April 17, 2011
Joe Dan believed all students -in native west KY or in east KY (Fleming, Morgan), were "Gold"en. He & Rosemarie helped thousands of students receive high quality educations.
"Some people come into our lives, quickly go. Others (Joe Dan) stay awhile, leave footprints on our hearts, and we're never the same." Let's think of Joe Dan when we see GOLDen sunrises.
Angela & Gary (native Marshall Co.) Wilkins, Frankfort, KY
Susan Wagoner
April 17, 2011
Joe Dan was a wonderful man.He was assistant principal when i went to FCHS.he touched many hearts and was a gentle and caring person. my condolesenes to his wife Rosemarie and his children Doug and JoMarie and their families. we are thinking of you in this time of sadness and sorrow. I can honestly say i knew him well and again he was a wonderful person. May god be with you all in this time of need. Mr. and Mrs.Galen Wagoner and family
C. G.
April 17, 2011
May you find comfort in the scripture at (John11:25,26)
Frank Cannon
April 17, 2011
So sorry to hear of the untimely passing of Joe Dan. He had a sincere interest in his students and his community while serving as principal in the Fleming County school system. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
sam leddy
April 17, 2011
As a student at MSU the same time Joe Dan played basketball for coach Babe, I will always remember the great times we all had at the gym when Joe Dan, Leland and Red represented MSU and won the SEC three years running. Joe Dan was a credit to his family and friends and MSU. To see his picture shaking hands with Jerry Harkness in the national obituary picture playing the eventual national champion was a sight to remember. God bless the Joe Dan Gold family, he was, in a few words---good people.
Greg Emmons
April 16, 2011
My heart goes out to Ms. Gold, his son Doug and his daughter Jo Marie. I had the opportunity to play for Coach Gold. He always treated each of us with the upmost respect and provided the guidance and encouragement that each of us needed. A true professional who has help guide me with my career and push me to the next level. I always enjoyed and will greatly miss our future conversations. He was always only a phone call away. Today was a difficult one to say goodbye to a great man.
April 16, 2011
May the God of all comfort, comfort you now in your time of need.
JohnG. NC.
Tim Eaton
April 16, 2011
Joe Dan was an outstanding superintendent colleague and friend. May God comfort the family during this most difficult time.
Tim Eaton-retired supt. Pulaski Co.
David Roark
April 16, 2011
Mr. Gold made us better men for knowing him, the world is a lesser place without him.
April 16, 2011
I remember listening to the MSU-Kentucky games when Joe Dan Gold was playing - I thought he had the coolest name ever! So sorry
to hear of his passing: your family is in our prayers.
Mike Gillespie, Minister, Munster, Indiana
Edsell Weaver Jr
April 16, 2011
To the family of Mr. Gold, He was my principle at FCHS (class of '89) and kept me inline for the 4 years I was there. We did not see eye to eye on a lot of things but there was a mutual respect between us and I still carry memories of him to this day. He was a great guy and will be missed by many. R.I.P. Mr Gold.
John Radjunas
April 16, 2011
Rosemarie, my deepest condolences to you and your family. Joe Dan was a good friend; but a wonderful person that was admired by all that ever knew him. Joe Dan was an excellent "school man", with such great character and compassion. Everyone liked Joe Dan. He will be missed.
Max Phillips
April 16, 2011
To The Family Of Coach Joe Dan Gold,
My association with Coach Gold began when he was coaching basketball at Miss. State Univ. and I was the "dorm daddy" in Evans Hall for his basketball team. That was in 1967-1969. He was a great teacher and coach, a leader of men. I have always had great respect for him. Our prayers and thoughts are with you. May GOD bless you and sustain you through this time of great loss. Coach will be truly missed by all who knew him. Please tell Billy I said "Hello".
Max & Suzi (See) Phillips
April 16, 2011
Rosemarie- Sympathy to you and your family on the passing of Joe Dan. Our memories of you while living in Jackson, and you working at Channel 12 are very warming. McCrea and I recall when you and Joe Dan wrote a paper for me when I was attending Mississippi College.
Paul & McCrea Shelton
247 Bayview Drive
Madison, Ms 39110
Melissa Tranbarger & Family
April 16, 2011
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Matt Wireman
April 15, 2011
Chatted with Joe Dan last week on Facebook, didnt know it would be the last conversation with my buddy. He was a dear friend to many and will be missed by all who knew him. RIP buddy.
April 15, 2011
To the family Joe Dan Gold, you have my deepest sympathy for the loss of your beloved one. May the God of all comfort strengthen you at this time of grief and sorrow. Erma L. Davis, Park Forest, IL.
Sandra Stevens
April 15, 2011
Mr. Gold was my high school Principle at Fleming County High School in KY. He did a fantastic job there as well as the Superintendent for Morgan County, KY's Board of Education for which is the county I work in. I'm so grateful that our paths as crossed so many times and I've learned so much from this man. A strong leader and mentor who will be greatly missed. My deepest sympathy, thoughts and prayers for his wife, Doug and Jo Marie.
Sandra Harris Stevens
Class of 1987
Robin (Hamm) Ehrenberger
April 15, 2011
I remember Joe Dan Gold from FCHS. I worked the summer program and was at the school. He was a big help to me. Once he knew your first name he never forgot it. He was a great principal. I had just wished they had someone like him when my boys had went to FCHS. He will greatly be missed. Thoughts and prayers to his family.
Jennifer Tyree Buchanan
April 15, 2011
I remember Joe Dan as being a wonderful principal.My prayers are with the family at this sad time in their lives. May God bring you all peace in your hearts.
Jenny Meadows-Kelley
April 15, 2011
Mr. Gold was an awesome principal.
April 15, 2011
My sincerest sympathy for the family of Joe Dan Gold. Honestly one of the Greatest people I ever had the honor of knowing. He had a huge impact on my life as my High School Principal. He cared for each and every student and always had time for us...no matter what. He will be missed.
Lenne Denton McCloud
Fleming Co High School
Class of 1986
Tom Thomas
April 15, 2011
I met Joe Dan after he moved to West Liberty, Ky. to be the school superintendent. He was a member of the Kiwanis club there and it was his idea and encouragement that pushed me to become the Lt. Governor of our district. He was a good man and always an encourager. Proud to be able to say I knew him. May the Lord bless and comfort his family.
Melissa Story Martin
April 15, 2011
"FCHS was blessed to have had the Honor to call him Principle. He touched many young lives in those hall ways and will remain in our hearts forever. He had the warmest smile and was simply Wonderful. His family will be in my thoughts and prayers."
April 15, 2011
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
April 15, 2011
To the family of Joe Dan in this sorrowful time, may God bless. I am from KY. and played for Coach at MSU in 69-70. My memories are of a first class coach and friend to all the players. We did not win enough games for Coach, but I smile when I think of Coach and how confident he was in everything in life.
Bill Combs
Valdosta, Georgia
McKenna Conley
April 15, 2011
Trying to find words to bring comfort to you all during this time. I am so grateful to have been blessed to have known Joe Dan "Governor" Gold and he impacted so many lives. Cherish the memories, most important know that we will see him again!!
love you all!
Don and June Brown Whitman
April 15, 2011
Our hearts are broken to hear of the loss of Joe Dan. We are so thankful for Rosemarie's love and devotion---that, along with his faith, was truly what kept Joe Dan positive and made it possible for him to get through such pain and suffering. We will continue to pray for you and your family in the difficult days ahead. May GOD hold you close and may you feel the love and prayers of others.
(MSU Friends)
chester brewer
April 14, 2011
i remember joe dan gold when he came from kentucky and played for miss state and babe mccarthy. another boy from ky. that did good. rest in peace joe dan gold
R Golay
April 14, 2011
To the the family of Joe Dan Gold - May God give you peace and comfort through his word and the Lord Jesus Christ during this time of sorrow, I know that Joe will be missed by many.
Showing 1 - 36 of 36 results
Make a Donation
in Joe Dan Gold's name
How to support Joe Dan's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Joe Dan Gold's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read moreMore ways to support the family
Visit the Sympathy Shop
Sponsored