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William Benjamin Chambers Jr.

1930 - 2017

FUNERAL HOME

Radney Funeral Home - Alexander City

1326 Dadeville Road

Alexander City, Alabama

William Chambers Obituary

NEWPORT NEWS - William (Bill) Benjamin Chambers, Jr. died peacefully at his home on July 11, 2017 after a long struggle with Parkinson's Disease. Bill was born on December 13, 1930 in Lynchburg, VA to Naomi Sandidge Chambers and William B. Chambers. He is preceded in death by his parents and his only sister, Linda Chambers Faunce (Bob) of Richmond, VA. Bill is survived by his loving wife of 38 years, Betty; his son William III (Phyllis Creech) of Reidsville, NC; his daughter Jane Chambers House (Brad) of Greensboro, NC; two granddaughters and one great-grandson. Bill was raised in Lynchburg, VA and attended the College of William and Mary. In his senior year, Bill set the NCAA record for individual rebounds (51) in a single game - a record which still stands. After an unsuccessful try out with the Minneapolis (now Los Angeles) Lakers, Bill coached at Warwick High School in Newport News (VA) High School, where he won two Virginia High School Basketball Championships. He then returned to his alma mater where his William and Mary coaching record (113-110) was the most wins until 2016. Bill left coaching in 1966 and went into sales with Converse Rubber Company. After several years, he moved into management with Converse in Boston. He returned to the south and became a sporting good salesman in Florida, selling mainly Russell Athletic uniforms and soft goods. In 1990, Bill was appointed Vice-President of Sales for Russell Athletic in Alexander City, AL. Bill retired in 1994, and he and Betty spent many years enjoying road trips throughout the United States. He also spent many hours playing golf and fishing with his good friends at Willow Point. His many health problems limited his last years, but his perseverance and fighting spirit were an inspiration to many. Visitation will be at Radney Funeral Home from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm on August 1st followed by a celebration of Bill's life at Willow Point Country Club. Contributions can be made to: The Tribe Club/Basketball (College of William and Mary, P O Box 399, Williamsburg, VA 23187; the Carlisle Enrichment Foundation (510 E. Samford Ave., Auburn 36830), or the charity of your choice. Memorial messages may be sent to the family at www.radneyfuneralhome.com. Radney Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Published by Daily Press on Jul. 16, 2017.
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4 Entries

My college basketball coach Bill Chambers came suddenly to mind as I was starting to write an essay on authenticity and the #FrictionLessSociety™. I was shaken to discover that he passed away last July.

He changed my life and was more responsible for me becoming a man than anyone else in my life. I shall never forget him and am eternally grateful that I somehow found myself at the right place at the right time for the first of many such times in my life.

For more, click on my links below:


https://twitter.com/viewshift1/status/959256409304190976

https://slicesoflifeblog.com/2018/02/01/remembering-bill-chambers/


Robert Harris

ROBERT HARRIS

February 2, 2018

So sorry to hear of this loss. I worked for Bill at Russell Athletic and always viewed him as a great leader who helped shape me professionally. His calm nature made every day a pleasant one. I would go in his office and start to pick up papers off the floor and he would quickly tell me to leave them. This was his way to remind himself that it needed to be taken care of. I find myself, 25 years later doing the same thing. As a salesman, Bill spent many hours on the road. He would write down lines from country music and count the crows to pass the time (no cell phones back then). He will certainly always be remembered as a great leader to many!

Linda Butts Bruce

July 20, 2017

Our hearts are sorrowful over the loss of Coach Chambers. He was an outstanding leader as Coach of the Men's Basketball Team at Newport News High School, Newport News, VA. I had the pleasure of serving as one of his managers for the team. His calm presence even under pressure was always reassuring to the team and fans. He was a fine teacher and shared many of his skills of the game with the players, which is why we had Championship Teams.

Joseph Madagan

July 19, 2017

Dear "Little" Bill and Janie, we were so sorry to read of "Big" Bill's passing. We have fond memories of having you for next-door neighbors back in the 1960's in Williamsburg. The Myers family, Joyce, Bruce, Susan and Betty Rae.

July 17, 2017

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Memorial Events
for William Chambers

Aug

1

Visitation

10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Radney Funeral Home

1326 Dadeville Rd, Alexander City, AL

Aug

1

Celebration of Life

Willow Point Country Club

AL

Funeral services provided by:

Radney Funeral Home - Alexander City

1326 Dadeville Road, Alexander City, AL 35010

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