Add a Memory
Make a Donation
Bill Dooley
1934 - 2016
Bill Dooley
1934 - 2016
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1934
DIED
2016
Bill Dooley Obituary
His wife, Marie, said Dooley died of natural causes at their home in Wilmington.
"Coach Dooley helped change the course of college football," said former North Carolina coach John Bunting, a captain on Dooley's first ACC title team in 1971. "He reversed the trend at UNC where he built a winner. The ACC, Virginia Tech and Wake Forest all benefitted from his great leadership. But most importantly, he mentored character development to thousands of young men."
Dooley won three ACC titles while head coach at North Carolina. He led the school to their first ever conference championship in 1971. He also led the Tar Heels to their first 11 win season in 1972. He had 162 wins at UNC and took the team to three bowl games. He is still tied for second in total victories for the school behind Mack Brown.
Click to get weekly celebrity death news delivered to your inbox.
"Coach Dooley was a great coach and an even better man who made a lasting impact on this university and on college football as a whole," North Carolina coach Larry Fedora said. "He touched the lives of the young men who played for him in a profound and special way. He proved that Carolina was a program that could produce a winning tradition and his legacy is something we strive to uphold each and every day."
He later moved on to become the Athletic Director and head coach at Virginia Tech where he led the Hokies to three bowl games. His 1986 team won nine games and the Peach Bowl. His final coaching stop was at Wake Forest where he took the team to the Independence Bowl where they beat Oregon in his last season in 1992.
Dooley was the younger brother of former Georgia coach Vince Dooley, and the uncle of Dallas Cowboys assistant Derek Dooley.
40 Entries
donald thompson
January 24, 2024
Deepest Condolences to all of Coach Dooley's family
MA
October 4, 2016
To the family,
I send my condolences. May God give you peace as you cope with your loss.
Renee Wikstrom
September 17, 2016
Marie, I'm so sorry to hear of Coach Dooley's passing. I so enjoyed my time working with him in Raleigh and getting to know you all. You've never left my heart.
How you can show support
Larry Honeycutt
August 23, 2016
To all the family,
We were saddened about the loss of Coach Dooley. God needed a football coach in heaven! Out thoughts and prayers continue to be with all of you during this most difficult time.
Sincerely,
Larry and Gwynn Honeycutt
michelle plakas-kaiser
August 20, 2016
rip
Lisa Jardine
August 13, 2016
Marie,
My deepest sympathies to you and the family. I think of you and Bill often, with great joy. Sending you love and condolences at this most difficult time. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
August 13, 2016
You have our deepest love and sympathies. Wish we could have been there.
Calvin and Nora Mellott
Curtis and Cam and families
August 13, 2016
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Alan Caldwell "AC"
August 12, 2016
Marie and family,
I was sorry to hear of Coach passing. I did not always get to see Coach as much as I would have liked to but he knew he had a place in my heart. Coach believed in me when some others did not. He and Coach Dickey provided me the confidence to be successful on the field as well as off the field. I am not able to attend the home going services due to a scheduling conflict. Please know that me and my family will keep you all lifted in prayer!!! As Coach would say to me at the end of practice, "break em down AC"!!!
God Bless,
AC
Mel Foels
August 12, 2016
Marie, my deepest sympathy to you and your family. A good man who contributed so much to the game of football and to all those he coached and those he came in contact.
August 12, 2016
Marie, so sorry for your loss! You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Sincerely, Karen N. and Legrande Hewitt
August 11, 2016
Marie, Shirley and I join with many of your Wake Forest friends in mourning the loss of great coach and special friend.
Jack and Shirley Webster
Becca Beitel
August 11, 2016
Dear Marie, Ashton and the entire Dooley family,
It was such a privilege and a pleasure to get to know Bill through the kids playing basketball together. He was an amazing father and coach. Our thoughts are with you all.
Sending much love,
Rik, Becca and Cody Beitel
August 11, 2016
I remember going to games with my dad as a child and watching him coach on the sidelines. Great coach!
I was in school in 1956. my dad, Dutch Luchsinger was Bill's trainer.
Philip Luchsinger
August 10, 2016
Mary Green
August 10, 2016
RIP!
Scott Chamberland
August 10, 2016
Rest in Peace
Tim Check
August 10, 2016
Bill,
Thank you for all your contributions to Virginia Tech and its football program. My condolences to your wife and family. May you rest in peace.
Bob Johnson
August 10, 2016
I had the pleasure of directing the UNC Coaches television show in the late 60s at WTVD-TV, Durham. Every Sunday morning following Saturday's football game was always a hectic but fun time in the studio. Coach Dooley was never late or without a smile or hearty greeting even at a very early hour. I saw him on several occasions in later years. I'll always remember the big bear hugs he gave me every time we saw each other. What a gentleman not to mention a great coach. To the Dooley family and all who miss him....just remember a quote from Dr. Seuss. "Don't cry because it's over, rather SMILE that it happened ".
Peace be with you Coach!!
t redinger
August 10, 2016
rest in peace coach
Jane O'Brien
August 10, 2016
Blessing and peace to Marie and the family. Coach was a great person and I am honored to have known him. RIP Coach Dooley.
Jane O'Brien
Tom Kelly
August 10, 2016
Coach Dooley was one of the finest men that I ever knew. He taught me so much about life. Not a day goes by where I don't think about him. He treated me like gold at Virginia Tech. Prayers and condolences to his family.
August 10, 2016
Condolences to the family and freinds of bill. From reading his story, he was definitely a man that was truly loved and valued for his hard work and impression he made on others. May our heavenly father "comfort your heart" at a grevious time like this.
D E
August 10, 2016
Condolences to the family and friends during this time of grief.
Psalm 147:3
Norma Osborne
August 10, 2016
Sorry for your loss
August 10, 2016
Coach
You will be missed. You taught me a lot and I am forever grateful.
Pat Dunfee
Bill Henschel
August 10, 2016
RIP Coach Dooley. A man who made a difference.
Adrian Barnette
August 10, 2016
We'll miss you !
John Check
August 10, 2016
When I was a young 14 year old kid brother of a recruit, I was on campus with my big brother. UNC wanted my brother to sign. I was sitting alone in a lobby when Coach Dooley came in. I explained that I was the big kid brother and only the football team manager. Coach Dooley sat in the room with me for 20 minutes or so explaining that I wasn't only the team manager that I was a valuable member of the team. I will always cherish that memory and His kindness. RIP
D Tyler
August 10, 2016
The Dooley's has been known as great coaches, he leaves a legacy that is written in the history of football. Offering my sincere condolences to the Dooley family. 1 Thessalonians 5:17.
Harry Simpson
August 9, 2016
Godspeed, and thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.
Adrian Barnette
August 9, 2016
We'll miss you !
August 9, 2016
Carolina Football was better because of Bill Dooley. My heartfelt sympathy to all his family.
Jim Massey
August 9, 2016
Dear Dooley Family: Coach Dooley was a well respected coach. I had great memories of him when he coached at Georgia. He helped us get off to a great start under his older brother. You will be in my thoughts and prayers in the coming weeks. "Keep the Faith"
Independence Bowl victory ride capping off one of Wake's best seasons in history. Thanks Coach!
Julie Griffin
August 9, 2016
Marie and family, I was so sorry to learn of Bill's death. You all were good friends to us when you were at Wake and I'll always treasure your friendship and be thankful for lots of good memories. Bill was such a good man and great coach. Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers.
August 9, 2016
It was a privilege to have worked for Coach Dooley from 1989 to 1992. He was a true gentleman.
Joy Carr
Hank Logan Jr
August 9, 2016
Thoughts and prayers to the Dooley family.
August 9, 2016
To Marie and family, please accept my heartfelt condolences on your loss. What a great man!
J. Corpening
Cathy Jaynes Chianese
August 9, 2016
Sorry to hear this news. He did wonders for the UNC football program and helped me become a fan in my younger years. As a Chapel Hill native, I was friends with his son, Bill, in elementary school. My deepest sympathies to the entire family
Showing 1 - 40 of 40 results
Make a Donation
in Bill Dooley's name
How to support Bill'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 Bill Dooley'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