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Don Amos Obituary
He was retired from the Alamance-Burlington School System where he spent his years teaching and coaching girls' basketball. His Graham High School Lady Red Devils won the State Championship in 1979. Other than being a great coach and mentor, he was a loving father, grandfather and husband to his wife, Sue Humphrey, to whom he was married for 51 years.
Survivors include his wife, Sue Humphrey Amos; daughters, Michelle Young (Brian) of Cary and Adrianne Leinbach (Chad) of Chapel Hill; brother, Ray Amos; sister, Kathyrn Mills; grandchildren, Darby and Conner Leinbach, Genetta and Addison Young; and many loving nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Genetta Palmer Amos.
The family will receive friends Friday, March 6, 2015, from 5 to 7 p.m. at McClure Funeral and Cremation Service in Graham.
The service will be held Saturday, March 7, 2015, at 2 p.m. at First Baptist Church in Graham with the Rev. Travis Russell officiating. Interment will follow in Graham Memorial Park.
The family would like to send a special thank you to Tara Moser for her help and support during this time.
Memorials may be made to the Hospice and Palliative Care Center of Alamance-Caswell, 914 Chapel Hill Road, Burlington, NC 27215 or First Baptist Church of Graham, 224 North Main Street, Graham, NC 27253.
Online condolences may be sent at www.mcclurefuneralservice.net
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Don Amos
T. Joel (Terry) Wade
July 7, 2024
Coach Amos was a special individual. He coached you in a fair and genuine manner. You could see that he really cared. He will be sorely missed. My sincerest condolences to his family.
Randy Trussell
March 16, 2015
Coach Amos taught us what it meant to be a man. I will never forget him nor his lessons, as they run through my mind every day as I teach the next generation. He's a rare breed and that's unfortunate. We need all the teachers like Coach Amos we can get.
Tammy Garrison
March 15, 2015
Coach Amos was a wonderful person, coach and friend. He even taught my kids, and they loved him as well.
Jeff Willoughby
March 12, 2015
Coach gave me guidance that I still use to this day and was a great friend to my dad. For all he did for me and dad, I can only say thanks. You will be missed. RIP Coach.
Dana Burnette
March 9, 2015
Michelle and Andrienne, my thoughts are with you and your family.
Karen McGill Jordan
March 9, 2015
Sue and family I am so sorry to hear about Coach Amos. He holds a very special place in my heart.He was not only my basketball coach, he was my friend. He will never be forgotten.
John Hancock
March 9, 2015
Don was a role model and l will miss him. My prayers to the family....
Marsha Perry
March 7, 2015
Coach Amos was a. Friend of my and a great coach to my daughter allyson
mark angel
March 7, 2015
...REST IN PEACE ( RIP ) DON LAMBERT AMOS, i knew him as friendly, funny,very helpful, guiding and insightful person of wit.... " COACH AMOS ".he will be truely missed by many..........
LINDA VALINES INGRAM
March 7, 2015
RIP Coach Amos,you have touched so many lives while here on earth!! Gone but never 4gotten. I have fond memories of your sense of humor, but everybody knew when you meant business. Class of 1979
Bette Britt
March 6, 2015
May God bless you Coach Amos! You are truly a inspiration to so many. Thank you for showing us how to love one another and treat one another with kindness. We will miss your smiling face! Bette W. Britt class of 79
Vickie mebane
March 6, 2015
Prayer goes out to the family. Being a 1975 graduate, he was a very friendly person. He's in a better place and God will have his arms around you doing this time.
God bless and remember the good times, his smile and fond memories.
Tom Cabe
March 6, 2015
Love you Don
Belinda Booker
March 6, 2015
There will NEVER be another Coach "Big Daddy" Don Amos
Thank you for your Inspiration & Passion for Basketball
Belinda Booker c/o 1988
Debbie McSwain Hayes
March 6, 2015
He was such a funny humble guy. Always teased me!
March 6, 2015
Love and prayers from Lora Baines wade and family.he will be missed and I have such good memories. Love to the family.
Bill and Patt Thompson
March 6, 2015
So sorry for your loss. We thought he was a great person. Always so friendly when we saw him here in Murphy. Prayers are with your whole family.
Joyce Lineberry
March 6, 2015
Adrianne and family so sorry for your loss of such a good man.You and your family are in my prayers.
March 6, 2015
Our lives were blessed by knowing this wonderful, sweet man. He was a true friend to all of us, and we loved him dearly.
Cheryl Faulkner Abbott, GHS Class of '72
todd albright
March 6, 2015
R.I.P coach don amos , we the albright family ( marylu , todd, justin, and amanda will miss you very much our thoughts and prayers go out to the family .
Ken Davis
March 6, 2015
One of a kind that's for sure! My condolences to the Amos family. I played football from 1970-1974 under the leadership of Coach Amos and Coach Joye.I can remember too this day when we were working out doing our drills and exercises he would be singing....I Never Promised You A Rose Garden. A Great Coach, you will be missed, RIP Coach.
Troy snow
March 6, 2015
My thoughts and prayers go to coach Amos's family. He was my football coach for 4 years and it was never a dull moment. To his red shorts to his high top Chuck Taylors, He was my favorite coach. I also remember his hat hitting my helmet to wake me up. Coach used to tell us "you got to be quick as a cat" He coined the name "The Wall" and I am still being called that today after 36 years. I will truly miss his great smile and his friendship. I was very lucky to have known him. "RIP COACH AMOS"
Andrea Penley
March 6, 2015
So sorry to hear that Coach Amos has passed. He was not only a great teacher, but a fantastic person! He was there through many years, as my older sister, who is 20 years my senior had him as a teacher as well. I took his marketing class the last year he taught and have thought fondly of the memories ever since. He will definitely be missed.
Donna & Jim Young
March 6, 2015
Our sympathy to Sue, Adrianne, Michelle, and their families. Don was a special person and we know will be missed.
howard arner
March 6, 2015
My condolences to the Amos family. Don was the right tackle and I wasthe left onthe 62 and 61 ELON u. Football team he was a great guy and athlete. I will miss him on my returns to ELON.
Rick Aiken
March 6, 2015
So very Sorry to Hear! I often thought of Coach thru the years and Rememberd great times, as Him being my very first Coach!
Thoughts and Prayers to the Family
Coach Shannon Lynch
March 6, 2015
Thanks for the opportunity to coach with you; your guidance and wisdom were greatly appreciated! When I think of your courtside mannerisms or any of your favorite expressions, you still make me smile! RIP Coach!
Linda Payne
March 6, 2015
Sue and family, I am so very sorry about Don's death. We go way back to his
first year at Hiwassee Dam High School, here in Murphy, NC. What a great man, coach and friend. He pushed us to be better than we ever thought we could be. I will never forget him and his influence on me and Ronnie and the many stories we share with our kids. David became well acquainted with him when he
brought his basketball kids to payoffs out that way. May God be with you all in the days and months ahead.
Holly McPherson
March 6, 2015
RIP Coach Amos!! You were one of a kind! Thoughts and prayers are with the entire Amos family and GHS family. We lost a great one!
Bryan FARRAR
March 6, 2015
I always loved talking to you , we shared alot of laughs RIP Coach
Jon Easley
March 6, 2015
I played for Don during the mid 70's and have to say that he was a GREAT coach and teacher. Don was a very special person and he helped shape me in my teen age years. Thanks for everything Coach we all Love you. Prayers to your family.
March 6, 2015
Our condolences to Coach Amos' Family.Coach made a difference in the lives of so many young people and this difference continued into their adult lives. We are grateful for his service at GHS.Jerry and Betty Ray, parents of Dale, Jeff, Kelly and Sam Ray.
Bill Talley
March 6, 2015
UNC friend. I remember Don always with a great sense of humor.
March 6, 2015
Sometimes we wonder if we made any impact. YOU did Coach!
Coach Green
March 6, 2015
Coach Amos was more than just a teacher, he was a friend, a mentor, and he touched many lives during his years at Graham High School, and even after he retired. He always had that smile whenever you seen him. Thanks for all the great memories at
GHS. I know that I can speak for several from the Class of 82 - we love and miss you, but we will meet again. RIP COACH DON AMOS -- LaVerne Ingold Deal.
March 6, 2015
Sue and family, we were so sorry to hear about Don. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. We are so sorry to miss the funeral but we are in Richmond babysitting. We will be thinking of you. Love Carolyn and Tyrone McDuffie
Tammy Ward-Class of 81
March 6, 2015
RIP Coach Amos! You have no idea how many lives that you affected with your guidance, humor, friendship & love. You were a fabulous mentor to ALL that knew you and you will forever live on in all of our RED DEVIL HEARTS!
Katherine Heckman
March 6, 2015
I am so great full for all the years I knew you, Your friendship with my Pawpaw, your time as a teacher & coach, but most of all your friendship. You touched so many live at GHS and made such a huge difference. From my entire family, thank you for being a great man & teacher. You are so loved and missed
Elana O'Bryan
March 6, 2015
Coach will be greatly missed. He inspired so many students over the years. Maker of champions. Condolences to his family.
March 6, 2015
What a beautiful difference one life has made. Daddy Don was such a gentle giant. He loved all of his kids and gave the best hugs! He always had a grin on his face and a twinkle in his eye. He is one of my favorite memories of Graham High. Ann King, class of 1980! RIP Daddu Don! we all love you!
Rena Boggs
March 6, 2015
Such a Caring and Supportive Person. Thank You Coach...
Robin Agnew Cole
March 6, 2015
Thoughts and Prayers for the Amos family, friends, and all the students he coached and taught during his multi decade tenure. The years at GHS were more enriched because Coach Amos was there. Rest in Peace Coach!
Cyndi Horner
March 6, 2015
Thank you for letting us share such a great teacher and mentor to all of the GHS Family. Prayers to you during this difficult time. We all have some great memories of this man we all called "Coach".
Teri Belcher
March 6, 2015
They only made one....What a great loss..
Daniel Dawkins
March 6, 2015
God Bless you Coach Rest in Peace.
Keith Helm
March 6, 2015
Coach Amos will be greatly missed. He was one of a kind. We will meet up again one day. RIP Coach
angela conklin
March 6, 2015
I will never forget what Coach Amos meant to my three kids at GHS. Or how much Sue and his grandchildren meant to him. We were all blessed to have known him.
Paul Hunter
March 5, 2015
I will never forget the sound of his ball cap hitting the top of my helmet, or how he pushed you to believe in yourself in everything you done.Such a great inspiration to me during my time at GHS. I enjoyed the conversations we would have in the later years when our paths would cross. Such a wonderful man to so many and will be dearly missed. My thoughts and Prayers are with you Family during this difficult time.
Dale Ray
March 5, 2015
The title "Coach" defined his gift. He touched so many young lives. I will never forget his encouragement and humor. Proverbs 27:17 Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another. Thank you Coach for investing your time and love to help others.
Kimberly Sykes Davis
March 5, 2015
The Red Devil Community was blessed to have Coach Amos as a teacher, coach and mentor. We will miss you Coach. Prayers of comfort and peace for the Amos family. You are in our thoughts and prayers!
Marsha Worley Yarborough
March 5, 2015
Thanks for the memories! Prayers from our family to yours.
Ray Moore
March 5, 2015
Coach I will definitely miss that voice, what a great friend not just a coach or teacher to have known for over 40 plus years for that Thank You!
Tina Rosencrans
March 5, 2015
What a tremendous loss for his family- and all those to whom he coached and cared for during his tenure as "Coach Amos"-he was an amazing man- May God comfort Adrianne, Michelle and Mrs.Amos during these days and all that follow-
Jeff Butler -former SHS Coach
March 5, 2015
Don will be missed by many!! A great man and coach. Prayers for his family!
passion walker
March 5, 2015
Coach amos u will truly be missed and I was very lucky to have u as a coach ..my prayers goes out to the amos family
June Gayle Turner
March 5, 2015
To a man loved by decades of students. I hope he knew how many lives he enriched.
Margaret Walker
March 5, 2015
To the family,our hearts are very heavy too.He was our teacher and best friend, He will be greatly missed.May GOD bless you all.you are in our prayers.
Betty Stallings
March 5, 2015
My thoughts and prayers are with you Sue and the family. Don was one of the nicest persons I ever met.
Brandi Fuller
March 5, 2015
Prayers for the family! I was lucky enough to have coach Amos as a teacher my senior year!! Loved him! He was a great man!
David Vaughn
March 5, 2015
RIP my dear friend. Such a fine man..
Jennifer Stanfield
March 5, 2015
Coach you will be missed by many! You touched so many lives and great inspiration to so many! Silence is Golden that is what u always told us! Rest in Peace Coach! Sending prayers to the family.
Cheryl Barbour-Stout
March 5, 2015
My thoughts and prayers go to to the family. I was lucky to get to see Coach Amos a year or so ago in the grocery store one night. We talked about old times. I told him them that he was one of my favorite memories of High School. Everybody loved Coach, he was just a great guy. Cheryl Barbour Stout class of 81
Tom Wright
March 5, 2015
I played for Coach Amos at Graham in the mid 70's and I was in his homeroom that was located across the hall from Coach Heckman. Those 'two aces' enriched my life.
Earl Willoughby
March 5, 2015
R I P my friend. You will be surely missed.
Susan Vincent
March 5, 2015
Such a wonderful soul. My thoughts & prayers are with your family. I'm sure God has a special place in heaven reserved just for him.
Debora Murphy
March 5, 2015
Wishes for the family to have great memories to carry them through. God bless..you are loved Coach. RIP.
Tim Sykes
March 5, 2015
Couch Amos was a great mentor to have in all of our lives. He will be sorely missed.
Bruce Darden
March 5, 2015
The Graham family will miss you Coach! Our prayers are with your family.
Ronald McAdams
March 5, 2015
Coach Amos was a great mentor to all his players and students. I know that his affable nature and wisdom will be missed, and always remembered by all. Rest In Peace Coach....
Susan Albright
March 5, 2015
I am so lucky to have had Don for my uncle. He was such a great role model and took special interest in me and my children and grandchildren. We were blessed beyond degree to have Don Amos in our lives.
Thomas Stubbs
March 5, 2015
He was so special to lots of football players also. I love this guy and will always charish my year's with him as my coach and teacher. I'm so sorry I'm out of town and want be able to attend. Love and prayers for all the Amos family. You can know he made a difference in lots of lives.
Neva Madison-Bowden
March 5, 2015
Coach Amos, You were a great teacher, who had a great impact on my life! I am so glad my boys got to meet you. I am so very blessed to of had you as a teacher for 2 years. I will never forget you and how you loved to kid around and also give us a hard time. Thank you for being such a great teacher to me and my husband! I will always think of you when I use or hear, "silence is golden"! You will be greatly missed!!
Beth Belcher
March 5, 2015
Coach was so special to us all. Thank you for sharing him with all of the GHS family.
Mickie Ring
March 5, 2015
Dearest Sue, I am so sorry. Just wanted to let you know how much you are loved and thought about at this time.
Mickie Ring
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