William Earl Olney

SHREWSBURY- William Earl Olney, better known as Bill, Billy, Coach, Mr. Olney, Grampy, the Big O, 83, of Shrewsbury, VT, passed away on December 5, 2025, at the Gill Odd Fellows Home in Ludlow, VT, following a long illness.
He was born on September 20, 1942, in Springfield, VT, the son of Earl and Rachel (Crowley) Olney. He was a graduate of Black River High School, class of 1960, and Castleton State College, class of 1973.
Bill married Linda M. Sanderson on December 17, 1966. They lived in Shrewsbury, VT, their entire married lives. Wintering for many years in Palmetto, FL, at Piney Point.
He taught physical and driver's education at Mill River Union High School from its opening in 1975 until his retirement in 2000. While there, he also coached the baseball team for 11 years and was named Coach of the Year in 1986. Bill also had jobs at G.E. in Ludlow, VT, worked construction, taught driver's education at many area high schools, and spent summers painting houses.
Mr. Olney served in the United States Air Force from 1963-1966. While enlisted, he led the Travis Air Force Base of Enfield, CA, to the Military Airport Transport Championships as a fastpitch softball pitcher.
Bill dedicated his life to teaching and coaching softball. He began pitching back in 1955 on his father's softball team in Mt. Holly, VT. Over his 40-year career, he pitched for several state championships in both Vermont and New Hampshire. In 1994, he was honored by the American Softball Association as a first-team All-American. In 1975, Bill began teaching fast-pitch softball under his business name, The Olney Way, and continued until a few years ago. He taught young women from over 50 high schools in New England and New York. Many of his students went on to pitch for state championship teams and pursue collegiate careers. He also worked with pitching staffs from 10 colleges and was the pitching coach at Dartmouth College for 13 years. He then ended his collegiate career as a pitching coach at Castleton University. In 2008 he was inducted into the Castleton State College Athletic Hall of Fame. The State of Vermont House of Representatives awarded a house concurrent resolution honoring William Olney for his accomplishments as a softball player and coach. Besides an amazing career in softball, he had many other athletic accomplishments including, basketball, table tennis, and badminton, as many former students can attest to. Bill influenced many people both young and old, and was known throughout his life for his patience, kindness, and humor. Many fondly remember his Silas and Effie jokes. For many years, he sported a U-R-OUT license plate that he then placed on his golf cart in Florida. He leaves a tremendous void in those who loved and knew him.
Survivors include his wife of almost 59 years; two daughters, Kimberly Olney Young (Matt) of Tinmouth, VT, Shannon Olney Collins (Dan) of Shrewsbury, VT; a sister Betty Merlin (Murray) of Mt. Holly, VT; five grandchildren, Chelsea Young (Troy), Chad Young (Gabby), Riley, Dylan and Keenan Collins, many nieces, nephews and close friends. He also leaves behind his beloved dog Bailey.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the Southside Steakhouse in Rutland, VT, on Sunday, December 14, 2025, at 1:00 PM. Burial will take place in the spring at Northam Cemetery in Shrewsbury, VT.
There will be no calling hours
Arrangements are with the Aldous Funeral Home..
Memorial contributions in lieu of flowers may be made to the Shrewsbury Volunteer Fire Department.