Harry William Yocum

Harry William Yocum, age 83 of Gadsden died peacefully in his home surrounded by his family on Monday, June 13, 2016. The family will receive friends at Collier-Butler Funeral Home on Wednesday, June 15, 2016 from 12:30-2:00 p.m., followed by the funeral service in the chapel. Reverend Harvey Beck will officiate. Collier-Butler Funeral and Cremation Services is directing.

Pallbearers are Eddie Perman, Todd Perman, Marion Jaggears, David Bowman, Charlton Giles, and Mark Cassidy. Honorary pallbearers are Mack Norton, Kenneth Davis, Bill Clark, Gerald Waldrop, and the members of the Martin Sunday School Class.

He was preceded in death by his birth mother, Cora Bannister Yocum; father, Harry William Yocum, Sr.; step-mother, Jewel Yocum; brothers, William and Craig; and sister, Helen Perkins Wiggins.

He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Virginia; son, Chris (Christy); grandsons, Cy and Colby; sister, Vickie Perman Owens; nephews, Eddie Perman (Sandi), Todd Perman, Mark Perkins, and Dennis Perkins (Peggy); and numerous grand nephews and nieces.

He was a veteran, having served in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict as Master Sergeant. He loved his country and always voted in elections, even as he became so incapacitated he had to go to the polls in a wheelchair. He proudly displayed a Korean War Veteran tag on his car.

He played right tackle on Etowah High School’s football team during the early 1950’s. This team was named the state champion high school team during those years by the Alabama Journal. He received football scholarships to Auburn University and Jacksonville State University. He graduated from Jacksonville State University and also attended the University of Alabama for an advanced degree.

He coached football at Etowah High School under Coach Jim Glover, and also coached at Cherokee County High School, Sidney Lanier, Ohatchee, and Chambers County High School where he was named Border Conference Coach of the Year in both 1963 and 1964. He taught at Gadsden State Community College in the area of co-op education where he made a lasting impact on students by guiding them toward productive career fields and assisting them in finding employment to finance their education.

Harry loved going to flea markets, playing Bridge with his friends at the Senior Activity Center, and talking to people. He had many friends and was known by his trademark, the $2 bill, which he gave to people he admired. He loved his family and was much loved by them in return.

Special thanks to Amedysis Hospice and nurses, LaWanda McElyea, Jay Beggs; and caregivers, Gloria Thomas, Gina Bowman, and Ed Hughes.

The family requests no flowers. Memorials may be made to the MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX; the Salvation Army; or First United Methodist Church of Gadsden Soup Kitchen.

Online condolences may be made at www.collier-butler.com.