William Duane Musick

Bill was born on June 25, 1937 in Madera, CA.

He attended Madera High School, graduating in 1955.

Coach Bill Musick was best known in our community for his vast contribution to athletics, centered around both football and wrestling for the Central Valley and his impressive career record spanning over 50 years.

When Bill attended Madera High School in the 1950's, there wasn't a wrestling team. By his Junior year, wrestling started and Bill decided to give it a shot; winning the Valley Championship as a Senior.

Bill was an MP officer in the United States Army following high school; playing football for their team as well.

Coach Musick certainly left his mark on both the football and wrestling worlds throughout the Central Valley, both on the field and off. In addition to the high school wrestling championship won, Bill was named second team All State in football for Bakersfield College; a team which in 1959, went undefeated and won the national junior college championship. From there he went on to play football for Fresno State, the team ending with an undefeated season and as Mercy Bowl champions in 1961.

Following graduation, Bill was an instructor and the defensive coordinator for Fresno City College, winning four state football championships in 15 years. As head coach, he directed the team for nine more seasons. In addition to football, Coach Musick was the head coach for the wrestling team, keeping the program alive and thriving for 22 years. He guided teams to four state championships, 12 Northern California crowns and 17 conference titles.

Bill's legacy, is not however, strictly defined as simply a successful coach. Bill impacted heavily the lives he touched. He will be remembered as a husband, a father, and grandfather, a teacher, a mentor and loyal friend.

Bill enjoyed hunting, fishing, golfing, photography, travel, food and wine. He was able to appreciate the simplicities in life, for instance, the enjoyment in a comfortable chair, the morning paper and a good cup of coffee. Bill had the ability to see life from a place of optimism, this contagious to those around him. His good nature and effortless humor often filled a room with laughter and joy.

Bill is survived by his loving wife Marlene; his sister, JoAnn and her husband Joe; his niece and nephew, Stacey and Shawn; his son Kevin; and daughters, Amy, Monique and Martina; along with in-laws, Brian, Amanda and Jeff; his six grandchildren, Rocky, Alexy, Emily, Damon, Kannan and Carter; and his soon to be first great-grandchild.

Bill's family would like to say a special thank you to the medical staff in both the Intensive Care Unit and Five North Telemetry at St. Agnes Medical Center, for the care and support provided during his time there; as well as Al and Maria Sanchez, for their love and will to care for Bill and his family.

A Memorial Celebration will be held in the Fresno City College East Courtyard and will be open to the public, on Friday, April 24, 2015. An open house will begin at 5:00 pm. A Memorial Service will follow with closure at 8:30 p.m.

Arrangements under the direction of Stephens & Bean Funeral Chapel, Fresno, CA.