Coy "Ernest" Ruple

1945 - 2024

Coy "Ernest" Ruple, age 78, of Bigelow, Arkansas, passed away on June 9, 2024, at Conway Regional Medical Center. He was born Oct. 27, 1945, in Faulkner County Arkansas, as the only son to the late Coy A. and Clara "Jewell" Ruple. Ernest grew up on a farm in Lollie, Arkansas, with his parents and five sisters, their family winning Farm Family of the Year in Faulkner County in 1964.

Ernest was a beloved father, husband, brother, grandfather (Pa), coach, teacher and friend. He is survived by his wife, Carolyn; his two sons, Colby (Joy), and Adam (Erin); his four grandsons, Jake, Zack, River and Scout; his two step-daughters, Yolanda Camp and Stephanie Battiest, and their children, Payton (Ryan) Loundy, Nikki Knight, Leslie Battiest, Samuel Battiest and seven great-grandchildren; his sisters, Brenda Free, Jewell Dean Rowe and Leta (Andy) Ruple-Copeland; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. He is preceded in death by his late sisters, Marie Coleman and Louise Stringer, and his parents, Coy and Jewell. Ernest will be greatly missed by all of his extended family as well as many former students, players, teammates and friends.

Ernest graduated from Conway High School in 1963 where he was an all-state football player in 1962. He was also a standout on the track team where he set a school record in the discus while helping the Wampus Cats win the state championship in 1963. Ernest was inducted into the Wampus Cat Sports Hall of Fame in 2019.

After graduation, he attended the University of Arkansas where he received an athletic scholarship to play on the Arkansas Razorback football team which included being a freshman on the 1964 National Championship team. In 1963, Arkansas head coach Frank Broyles called Ernest "the best-looking big boy we've seen." Ernest became a three-year letterman on the offensive line for the Hogs from 1965-1967. He helped the Razorbacks win the Southwest Conference title in 1965 and played in the 1966 Cotton Bowl.

A 1967 "Sports Illustrated" article states, "The backs will all run behind Ernest Ruple, who is 6'5" and 252 pounds of tackle-the only big man in Broyles' camp. Ruple is a relic of the glorious era, just ended, when Arkansas was both big and fast." That senior season, Ernest was team captain and earned all-SWC honors. His outstanding play earned him invitations to the East-West Shrine Game and to the Senior Bowl.

After college graduation, Ernest was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the second round of the 1968 NFL Draft as the 36th overall selection. He played two seasons for the Steelers before returning to his alma mater as an assistant football coach before being named head football coach of the Wampus Cats in 1975. His 1976 squad finished 9-3, winning the AAAA West Conference title.

Along with his on-field talents, Ernest spent many days and weekends of his adult life as an avid deer hunter at Roark Deer Camp in Hampton, Arkansas, with many lifelong friends. He spent over 25 years in education as a teacher.

Ernest had an undeniable large presence in any room; however, those that loved him well knew his heart was just as big as he was. In true Ernest form, he continued to be tough as nails by leaving it all out on the field until the last snap. He has undoubtedly passed on his stubbornness, sarcasm, kindness and big heart to all of his children and grandchildren and many former students and players. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Honorary pallbearers include Payton Loundy, Nikki Knight, Leslie Battiest, Samuel Battiest, Jake Ruple, Zack Ruple, River Ruple and Scout Ruple.

Visitation to be held at Roller-McNutt Funeral Home in Conway, Arkansas, at 10 a.m. Monday, June 17, 2024. A private family-only graveside service will follow. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer's Association at www.alz.org.