William Stephen "Billy" Venable Sr.

Coach Venable was my wrestling coach when I went to Shamrock high school 1980-1985, I often think about him and the impact that he had on my life. I saw an article on Facebook about him and the tragedy... I had some awesome memories on the wrestling team because of him...Rest in peace coach.

We love you. Miss you. Class of 01. The girls track team

Dear Stephen

Not a day goes by that we don't think of you and the loss of your precious dad and brother. We are so proud of you and the way you have handled the death of these two precious people. We wanted you to know how much we love you and pray for you and the entire Venable family. Just know that you are cared for very much and we are there for you what ever you need.

We Love You, Mom and Scott

Dear Venable Family,

You continue to be in my thoughts and prayers. Thank you for having the small cards of Coach V and Bill with the verse from Isaiah at the funeral. I use it as a bookmark, so I'm reminded daily of what great men they are!

Your family has been an encouragement and a blessing to me for many years, and continues to be.

Love, Robbie

Dear Venable Family -- As I sit here tonight, thinking about two great men, I would give anything to go back one year and be with Bill and Billy for that brief period of time. I know it doesn't get much easier for you because it hasn't gotten much easier for for me and the others that loved them so very much. My family's thoughts and prayers are with you and we will never forget them. Love, Walt, Len, Jimmy, Christopher, Patrick & Nicholas Brooks

I knew Coach V and Bill all 4 years at Tucker. I had Coach V. as a teacher and Bill as a classmate. What happened was a huge blow to the family, friends, and community. Why it happened, no one will ever know why, but their memories will always be there to remind us and others what great people they were. The pain that loved ones had to endure will be cured someday. I will continue praying for the family and freinds, and will continue to honor their memory.

Susan I am so sorry for your loss. It is so tragic to have someone you depend on and love so quickly taken from your life. My brother Chaunkee was taken from me and when I can't stop crying I think of you and your great loss. Please know I am sending you love and strength daily. Let me know if I can help in any way.

Aunt Susan I could never begin to imagine what you have went through. You were so strong and made us all feel better, and I know you were dying inside. I don't think I could have been that strong.

I am still having a very hard time and pray every day for you and Amy. My mom is still hurting and she is sad all the time. I pray for her too. She loved her brother with all her heart. She took care of the boys all her life. They mean everything to her. I know God had a purpose for this I hope in time we will understand. I look at old pictures and just cry. If anything good comes out of this I will try to be a better person. And set a better example for my children. Spend more time with the family. I will no longer be to busy and make the time. You and Amy are forever in my prayers. I love you both, Kathy

There are not many individuals who had an sincere influence on my life, but I can truly say Coach V did. I grew tired and weary at times, I even stumbled and fell. But with the advice of this man,others, and God I found renewed strength during our meetings. Coach Bless you and watch overs us!

J.Culp #43

COACH VERNABLE WAS A GOOD MAN ..ALWAYS KEEP ME IN LINE ... WHEN I SAW IT ON THE NEWS .. I JUST STARTED CRYING ... AND I HAVE SEEN HIM IN 8 YRS ..THAT WAS JUST THE TYPE OF PERSON HE WAS ... HE WILL ALWAYS BE IN MY HEART

stephen and maris you are in my thoughts and prayers.

love you, angie

I am deeply saddened to hear about the loss of Coach Venable and his son. Coach V was my track coach at Tucker High School during the 1998-1999 track season. He was well loved by all the students, always saying "hello" to us in the halls and asking how we were doing in our classes. It was evident by his nature that he cared very much for each and every one of us. I pray that God will comfort his family through this very difficult time. Coach V will always live on in the hearts and memories of so many students from Tucker, and he will be greatly missed.

Words cannot express my sadness over the lose of a fine man and good friend. I had not met Billy, but Bill spoke of him with

glowing terms and much love. Bill and I began our friendship when I came to coach at Walker High School in 1975. When I moved to Alabama in 1984, we sort of lost touch. Then, through Phil Lindsey, we were able to renew our contact. I have so many fond memories of Billy (that is what we all called him at Walker). He was a great teacher and coach, who was and will continue to be a great influence on many young people. I have been going through

all my old photographs of the Walker days

to find the ones with Bill in them. I would really like to share those with his family.

I was so saddened to hear of Billy and your son. I grew up knowing the Venables. My father was a friend of theirs. I went to school with Sam, Billy, and Larry. My family and I would like to send you our deepest condolances and send our prayers to comfort you.

Claudia Lemke Thomas

Snellville, Ga

I used to skip class and go downstairs and sit in Coach V's office with him while he messed around on the computer. He'd ask me how my family was doing, (He taught my oldest sister Stephanie, sister Wendy, brother Brandon, AND me) and then Coach Roman would walk in and Coach would always be like, "Do you know who this kid is?" And he'd tell him that I was a little Benefield and they would team up on me and pick on me. I'd attempt to clean their office, which had football equipment everywhere and they'd roll their eyes. Coach always joked that he was gonna fail me if I kept rearranging all his stuff. One morning I had his keys to unlock the locker rooms, so me having his keys and being with my friends, we decided to make a stop by his office and do a power clean before he came back down. (They were so messy.) We had his area spotless. He walked into the door and just looked at us, then rolled his head back and laughed and laughed. I remember in class we'd always end up in these deep discussions about life when we were supposed to be talking about foods or something, haha. He had some very wise things to say. I sat right up front so I guess that made me the official paper passer-outer. He'd just drop the papers on my desk. I remember one time Mrs. Venable stopped by one day during class to talk to him so I peeked out the door and when he came back in, I was like "Coach V your wife is very pretty." and he just smiled, and said "I know." I miss hearing his booming voice all the way down the hall or seeing him walking everywhere with his clipboard. Wow, what a great guy. And I saw so much of him in Bill... He was good at what he did and is greatly missed. I love you coach V!

To the Venable Family...

Im so sorry for the tragic incident that happened, the tucker high community will always be there for u and love u,coach, and billy. we will miss them very much but all there memories will always be in our hearts and mind...

Dear Susan,

I just learned of the tragic event and wanted to offer my condolences. I can't imagine and certainly can't lessen the pain you must feel. I can only offer you my sympathy. I do regret that we have been out of touch for so long but I hope that you understand that that was not for lack of affection. My thoughts are with you.

Susan, I'm thinking of you. Alice

(Babe and Suzelle's back door neighbor)

I remember Coach V when I was a student at Tucker. I was a football manager as well as on the Drill Team & what I will always remember about Coach V was that he had a wonderful spirit. He was a great coach & he treated everyone like they were his own. My prayers are with his family, but I know that he is in a better place. I love you Coach V and you will be missed.

Class of 1997

To Coach V's family, I am so sorry for y'all loss, Coach and Billy were very good people. I knew Coach for about 8-9 years, and he helped me a lot, just for being the person he is. My whole family knew and respected him, Coach, coached my oldest brother in football and wrestling, for four years, my other brother in football,for four years, and I was a football manager and wrestlerette (wrestling manager), for four years. My parents helped the football team out as well, for many, many years. He will be missed. My prayers are with you all for this tragedy.

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Coach V was great, he was my PE coach. He caught me skipping once. He didn't turn me in, he just talked to me for about an hour - I never skipped again! I didn't say it then, so I will now "Thanks Coach!". He will be missed by all. God bless! ~Lisa C/O '94

we are so sorry for your loss of your husband ,son, and family member.we wish we could have done more.

May God bless your family during this time. Memories last forever!!! Stay strong for your family and friends.

Please know the prayers of the Grayson United Methodist Church are with you.

I am a member of the Babe MCGehee Sunday School Class at the Auburn United Methodist Church. My thoughts and prayers are with the Venable family.

My prayers are with you.

Dear Family and Friends,

The tragedy of this action is unbelievable. We lost a teacher and friend in our small town last Spring to a burgular. But to lose a coach and a son.. Is unthinkable. Our community and our schools will keep you in our prayers. May God give you peace and strength.

You will always be in our prayers. We will miss coach V a lot. You just don't know how many lives he touched.

To the Venable family: My name is Gary Lawson. I am Larry Venable's cousin. His mom Laverne and my mom Lois were sisters. Larry informed me of what had happened and all I can say is how deeply sorry I am for all of you. I used to play with Sam and Billy when we were kids. It is just shocking to me what happened. I had not seen Bill or Sam since we became adults. I just want you to know that my thoughts and prayers are with you all. God Bless.

I would like to first express my deepest sympathies to Coach V's family during this time. My prayers and thoughts are with you.



Thankfully, how we live in this lifetime ripples through eternity. The overwhelming effect that Coach V had on the lives he touched will survive through those who had the honor of knowing him. I know that my life would not be the same if he was not a part of it.



To those that never met him, I hope that your lives are touched by the effect he had on those who knew him. I hope that someday your live is touched by a student, or player, or coworker, or family member, or friend.

Mrs Venable, you and your family are in our prayers. May our Lord God, be with you and the Tucker High School Family.

I am extremly sorry for your loss. There are few word of comfort that will ease your pain. Just know that your husband and son have touched the lives of people they never met and that everyone who has read or heard about this will cherish their family and friends more.

Dear Venable Family~

Many people wonder, when they leave this earth, can the say that they have helped or touched anyone that has crossed their path. Well I can say that Coach V. taught me more than running a mile under 8 minutes. He taught me to never give up, to push myself, and always cross the finish line no matter how many laps you got to go. I never realized it until I got to college that the things he taught me on the track will help me in real life. I thank him for that and he will always hold a special place in my memory and my heart.

~God Bless,

Jo-Jo

Mrs. Venable -- I am so sorry for your loss and you will be in my prayers for a long time. I didn't actually know Coach Venable, but I did go to Roosevelt High School with his sister Linda and graduated in 1959. My thoughts and prayers are with you. May God bless you always.

He is at peace,resting awaiting the arrival of our Lord Jesus Christ.

The pain is real you feel,trust in the Lord. My prayers will continally be with oyu and you family.

Amy,

I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your dad and your brother. No one should have to go through this kind of pain, especially not you. You are such a sweet girl with a warm smile, I am blessed to have met you last year. You and your family are in my prayers. Please DO NOT hesitate to email me if I can do anything for you. "The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and I am helped." Psalm 28:7

In His Love,

Ansley Bennett

I can't imagine the pain you are experiencing but I pray that God will ease your pain in time until you see your loved ones again!



Sincerely, A Tucker Tiger Aunt

My family and I are truly sorry for the loss of Coach Venabke and his son Billy Jr. Our prayers go out to his wife, children, and other families that were left behind. Coach Venable coached my two brothers Jay and Darryl Cunningham in football at Walker High. He also helped my brother Darryl to go to the state championship in wrestling. He took both of my brothers under his wing. He was my PE and Health teacher. My mother Shirley was very saddened by the news. She was so appreciative to Coach Venable for helping out her sons. Our family will miss you so much. We are praying for the family with every thought. You will be truly missed. God Bless you Mrs. Venable, your children and also other family members. Hang in there and stay in prayer with one another.



May God's Grace and Peace Be With You All.

The Cunningham Family, Jesse (Jay),Darryl, Monique, Lisa, Angelo, Angela, Malcolm and mother Shirley.

Coach V,

It was really great to meet such a good person like you. All I can remember are the good times. You Coach Tripplet and myself laughing and joking around at the track meets and at mid-field after a Tucker victory over Columbia during football season.I always said we'll get you during track season. I'm going to miss you this season. May God rest your soul. To the Tucker community as well as the Tucker High School family you all lost two great men. To the family may God bless and keep you. On behalf of the Columbia High School family we send our deepest regrets and will keep you in our prayers.

My favorite memories are the days during the summer that Billy invited Dave along as Bill's friend for summer wrestling camp. As an elementary age boy attending something so important for high school kids, he walked taller and felt bigger and came home each day excited about how well he had done. Billy made sure that he felt like he was the best athlete ever. Billy was a wonderful loving and giving role model for both Dave and Cassidy. They are much better persons because of the values they learned from Billy and will always have that solid foundation he played a part in building. Thank you all for sharing and giving Cassidy and Dave a second family. Susan, Eddy, Amy and Stephen...you are in our hearts and prayers. Please know that we are there and family waiting to help. All our love, Rhonda, Mark, Cassidy and Dave

Coach Venable,



It was wonderful knowing you over the years; all of the smiles and laughter. You're such a fantastic person and it's so hard to come to grips with the fact that you are not here with us anymore. I'll miss you dearly my friend.



May God bless and keep you forever.



Much Love,

Coach Venable was a great person, coach, and father. He will be truly missed. The Gym will never be the same without him. I will think of him always with the upmost respect.

Dear Mrs. Venable

I can only say how deeply saddened I was to read about the tragedy that has fallen upon your family. As a teacher, I was moved to contact your husband's principal, Mr. Butler, and pass along my sincere regrets. I pass along to you and your daughter now my prayers, that somehow, knowing the joy your husband and son brought to your lives, you will both be able to move forward in their memories. My thoughts are with you.

To the Venable Family,

We are in Babe's Sunday school class and wanted you to know you have been in our thoughts. We pray that you and your family will receive the comfort,strength, and peace only God can give at this difficult time.

Just want you to know that God is still an awesome loving God! His word says "Yeah, I am with you ALWAYS ...even until the end of this world." Please don't be angry at our savior. I pray his word will bring you comfort. My family is praying for you!

Frances and I just wanted to let you know that you and your family have been in our thoughts and prayers since we first heard about it. This was the week that Frances was calling the list for "check-in Methodist," and when she called Ellsworth Steel that morning, he had just heard the news and was still really stunned. You may not remember us...we had a shoe store in downtown Auburn and my wife was a counselor/psychometrist with Auburn Public Schools. For a number of years, we have been members of your Dad's Sunday School class.

Please remember our love goes out to you...to your Dad...and to all your family!

Dennis Childs

Dear Susan, Babe,Cathy and family,



We are members of the Babe McGhee Sunday School class at AUMC. Our hearts and prayers have been with you in this painful, difficult time. We pray for the peace and comfort and grace of Jesus to be with you, for hugs and friends whenever you need them.

Love in Christ,

Our thoughts and prayers have been with your family since we heard of the terrible tragedy in your home. May you feel God's tender love and presence, and the love and support of family and friends during these difficult days. Tucker High School is dear to our family; our son graduated in 1984 from Tucker High. We am greatful for men like your husband and son who were great leaders set good examples.

You were a great friend and mentor to me over the past two years and I will truly miss you



Goodbye my friend

I was #74. Hoke Freeman was #73. Billy Parker was #55. Tony Parker was #24. Billy Venable was #77. We played varsity football together for the East Atlanta High School Wildcats in the mid 1960's. I was the new kid, having already played varsity ball at Murphy High School in the 9th grade. I was very anxious about starting on a new team at a new school. I met Billy Venable and he asked me if I needed rides to and from two-a-days, summer football practice. I never forgot thinking what a nice guy he was to go so far out of his way to do this for me, the new kid on the team. Billy was always a team player. Billy always took care of lots of us guys on the team and some others who needed help, like his brother Sam, a great guy too. Before we knew it, we were out of high school and trying to get into a mode for becoming "adults." I went on to work on the Georgia State Patrol and GBI for 32+ years. Hoke retired from the Georgia State Patrol. Billy retired from the DeKalb County Police Department. Tony retired from the MARTA Police Department. We're all retired cops now and have our share of war stories about days when it could have been our last ones because of the "fire in the belly" we had to work in law enforcement. I can't speak for these other guys, but now I look back on these past 35+ years and realize that Billy was always a hero to me! Billy must have also had that fire I mentioned about being a teacher and coach. I have many sons and if they grow up to be just a little bit of the man that Billy Venable grew to be, I will die a happy man.

Sam, you and Billy were always the greatest friends any of us guys that grew up with you in East Atlanta could ever have.

Susan, I pray to God that he will be able to bring you, Sam and the rest of your family some kind of peace from all of this. I would have loved to have met Billy, Jr. I know that he is a great man who is still getting the best coaching a son can get, from his dad!

All our love, Walt, Len, Jimmy, Christopher, Patrick and Nicholas Brooks

I would like to express my deepest sympathy to the Veneable family. Billy and I started to get to know each other this year. He was a swell guy, always had a smile on his face. He'd talk to me about football, give me advice..etc You would never think that last conversation would be the last time you see/talk to him. Coach Venable was also a fantastic guy. Always had a positive attitude, and if you ever needed anything, you could ask him. I was just talking to him about playing football next year and to know i'll never talk to him again brings great sadess upon me.



This event was a horrible tragedy, that impacts not only the Venable family, but the community. R.I.P Coach Venable and Billy.

I played football and wrestled with Billy at East Atlanta High school back in the'60s. We had a wonderful man for a coach of our 8th grade team, coach Shirly Watkins. Like Billy, coach Watkins always found an appropriate nickname for his players. He must have seen something in Billy even back then for he nicknamed him "Sweet William"



I'll never forget Billy and the way he smilled. He was always a gental giant willing to help anyone at anytime and offer encouragement to those big and small.



Susan, may God comfort you and your family and may you know that He will walk you through this most difficult time.

We are praying for you and your family. Amy attends church with us at Waktinsville First Baptist- our whole church is lifting you all up at this very difficult time. We pray that God will give you His everlasting peace in your hearts. You are loved...

I want to express my condolences to the family and friends of Billy Venable. I only knew him a short time at Shamrock High when I took Georgia History, but I never really forgot him. I especially remember his sense of humor with his students. He will be missed.

i never would have made it this far if it weren't for you. I cant even begin to list all of the favors u did for me. as many times as i thanked u, i still dont think i thanked u enough. u were truly an inspiration to many people, adults and kids both. tucker, the school, the community, the students, and everybody there, is better off by having had the opportunity to know and work with u.

i luv u man

dfutrell

God is the only source that can and will began a healing. He is your source when everyone else is gone and you feel so all alone. You are in my prayers and I am so sorry. Just pray, pray, pray, and pray. He will sustain you.

As members of the Babe McGehee Sunday School class, we send our condolences to the Venable Family.

We want to express our deepest sympathy. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Miss Gibson's family in PA

May God bless the Venable and the Chaney families. This is a real but very sad Georgia Tragedy!!!

May God bless the Venable and the Chaney families. This is a true Georgia Tragedy!!!

To the venable family may god be you during this sad moment, and I will always keep you in my prayers.

I am so sorry to hear about the death of Coach Venable. I attended Shamrock High (Class of '86) and when I first heard the name "Venable", I prayed that it wasn't him. He was my favorite coach at Shamrock, but I couldn't remember his first name. I put off digging out an old yearbook and checking, because part of me didn't want to know. I just wanted to believe it was a different Coach Venable. But I just looked him up and can no longer deny that the victim of this horrible tragedy was the same sweet, kind, funny man I remember so fondly. I am really devastated. I feel badly for waiting so long to check this, and I would have liked to attend the memorial service. My heart goes out to his wife and family. I can only imagine what they must be going through. I'm sitting here crying and I haven't seen him in 18 years. My thoughts and prayers are with them. He will not be forgotten.



Love,



Jenny

Please know that our prayers are with you and all who knew your husband and son. We pray that the wonderful memories will overcome the sorrow and pain. God bless you!

It has been an honor to compete with Tucker High School these last four years. You strived to do everything in your power to make your sports teams the best in the area. You have also taught your athletes to be humble and courageous. God bless you and those you have touched.

Our sincerest sympathies to your family. May God and holy angels rest with you and your loved one.

Kay and I are so sorry and sad. I knew Bill as a football coach and as a great person.

Mrs. Venable

You taught my daughter, Mary, Spanish at Trickum Middle School. You are in our thoughts & prayers. With deepest sympathy.

The Blevins Family

MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY DURING YOUR TIME OF GRIEVANCE.

My sons(FBHS)wrestled Tucker HS in Athens on tuesday evening and were shocked to hear of the tragedy that happened to the Veneble family. Our sincere condolences to all. May God bless you.

Susan, we are so sorry to hear of your family's tremendous loss. Billy played baseball and football with our son, Craig, at Mountain Park and they had a class together in 7th grade at Trickum before we were transferred. Your husband, Bill, was always involved with assisting the teams in any capacity necessary. You will all remain in our throughts and prayers. God bless you.

While we did not know your family, your loss has deeply saddened us. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. God bless your family during this difficult time. John & Ivey Thomas

I've always had extremely fond memories of Coach V. My prayers are with your family and that God will sustain you through this extremely difficult time. He coached me in football and track and taught my health class. He was a great man and a great friend to all that knew him.

My prayers and thoughts go out to the Venable family. May God give you all strength to go on.

Our prayers and heart felt wishes go out to your family at such a hard time. We pray also, that the Lord Jesus gives you the strength and courage throughout your days ahead.

May god be with the Venable's and thier extended family during these difficult and troublesome times. Coach Venable will be missed but never forgotten

Deepest sympathies from a former student and his wife. Coach Venable was always an inspiration to me while I attended Tucker. Through the good times and the bad, he could always be counted on as not only a mentor, but a good friend. He will be sorely missed by me as well as by all who knew him.

My family and I wish to extend our deepest symapthies and prayers to Mrs. Venable and her entire family.

The question is always why..

The answer is always only GOD Know.



May God Bless The Family.

My wife and I, are very sorry , (GOD)chose this time to take you and your young son. Our thoughts and prays are now with your family,we will miss you.

Mrs.Venable .We haven't been in the area long,and hearing the story from last week has really touch our hearts and minds.We don't know each other physically,but through God's creation,we are all the same...His children.We love you and are praying that God's love and protection forever giude you inthis world.

Mrs. Veneable and Family,



My brother and I would like to send our condolenscenes to you and your family. "Big V" and "Little V" will be surely missed. My God bless the entire family.

Best Wishes,

The Twins

Thank you for your service to mankind. You made a difference in many young people lives. They will never forget you, we will never forget You.

Susan,

I was so sorry to hear of your loss and wanted you to know you are in our thoughts and prayers. Your cousins in California send our love.

I lift the Venable family in my prayers. I want to let the family know that coach V. was a wonderful man and I know that god will have the best for him. He has encouraged me as an individual to stay in sports and I am suceeding and I want to thank him for that. I send my love to my Georgia family at Tucker high school.

I will pray for you and your son. Your bravery and sacrifice to protect your family must speak for the type of man you were, and will bring comfort to those that will always remember you.

May God Bless you all in your time of sorrow and Know that Bill, Sr. is now putting together a great Football team in Heaven. God bless you all. Called God's Heavenly Angels football team.

Your family has been in my thoughts and prayers since first reading the story on ajc. Although I can not comprehend the pain and agony you are experiencing now, I have personally faced trials in the past by remembering this from God's word:

His cross will never ask for more than I can give, for it's not my strength but His.

God will see you through this! His loving arms are always open, ready to comfort you.

Much love and prayers,

Hello my name is Dontavious Clark, I was apart of Coach V's life since I was in 9th grade. I captain of the class of 2001 football team. On behalf of the entire 2001 class we hope you rest in peace!. Personally I haven't been able to swallow this tragedy and really still don't know how. You was like a father to me and billy was like the little brother who followed me around while he was a freshman and I was a senior. Thanks for all the advice you given me and you will not be forgotten in my life.



Forever one of your leaders,

Dontavious R. Clark

Class of 2001

dear mrs.Venable

i could'nt imagine how hard it is to have a son and a husband die. you are in my prayrs. just think now they are in a way better place than here.

I taught at Tucker High School from 1998-2000 and I had the opportunity to get to know Coach Venable and hav some of my students be in his class. Since my students were visually impaired, Coach took the time to make sure that my students got what they needed and my former students would always tell me that Coach talked to them and made them feel a part of the school. Thank you Coach Venable we will miss you. God Bless the Venable family. May the Lord be with you. Sincerely Adrienne Duris and Tamara Hale, Quinton Lowe, and Sheena Shelby

I have never met you or your family,

but I would like to offer my prayers to each member in the Venable family. From what I have read, you have really left your mark on this community. May God bless your family in this time of need and give them strength. My heart feels your loss.

God bless you all.

It's never goodbye, just see ya later. So Coach and Bill, I will see you guys later.

Do not remember us with tears and sorrow, but remember us with smiles and laughter.

May God be with you and your family.

We know that your husband and son are with God.

I pray that the strength of the Lord sustains you and your family during your time of grief. Please know that the Lord is yet with you. I do not know your family personally, but my heart goes out to the entire Venable family.

My prayers are with you, Mrs. Venable and with your children. God's grace is sufficient for this trying time in your lives. For the tears you shed today and in the future, Jesus Christ died. Be blessed!

Although i do not know your family i am deeply saddened by your loss.

my prayers are with you. may you find forgiveness, peace, joy and the promise of god's love. He will never bring us to a place that will not get us thru.

Dear Friends,

I know you only through pictures and stories that have been on the news and in print these past few days in the aftermath of such a devastating ordeal.

I'm terribly hurt and sorry that this was how we had to meet.

Please know that your entire family are in the thoughts and prayers of my family and friends.

If there is solace to be found, I know you will find it.

May God be with you.

Warmest Regards.

I went to East Atlanta with Billy and Sam and was so shocked to hear of your loss. I am praying that God will comfort you during this time of sorrow.

Our deepest sympathy to you and your family. As a father and a fellow high school coach (Woodward Academy) I am deeply saddened about your loss. If there is anything that I or the Woodward Academy community can do or assist with please let us know. Take comfort in knowing that Sr. and Jr. are in a MUCH better place and are smiling down on you right now and that you are surrounded by love and friendship.