(MURFREESBORO, TN) Funeral services have been announced for a beloved Riverdale High School history teacher who passed away over fall break. Stephen Joseph “Coach” Williams unexpectedly passed away at the age of 61 on Saturday, October 1, 2022.

Coach Williams dedicated over 22 years to teaching, with the majority of his career at Riverdale High School in Murfreesboro, TN. He was known for advocating for the well-being of his students and colleagues and for being a mentor.

For eighteen years, he coached Riverdale Cross Country and his team qualified for the State Championships. He also led teams to two Region Championship titles and nine Mid-State Championships. He enjoyed seeing his athletes win, but his greatest joy was helping build their confidence, discipline, and desire to meet every challenge.

When students return to the classroom on Monday, October 10th, a counselor support team will be on-site for grieving students and staff at Riverdale High School. Many have already shared kind thoughts about Coach Williams on the Riverdale Twitter page (here).

Looking back to his years high school, Williams attended Holy Rosary Academy and Father Ryan High School where he excelled in baseball and basketball. After graduating in 1980, he went on to attend MTSU where he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree and eventually his Master’s Degree in Education and an Educational Specialist Degree (EdS).

He is survived by two sisters, Ruthann Williams and Mary Pat Williams Silveira; three brothers, Thomas, John, and Brian; three sisters-in-law, Amy, Sandra, and Maureen; five nieces; four nephews; numerous great grand nieces, grand nephews, and other extended family; and his beloved dog, Scout.

Visitation will be held at Murfreesboro Funeral Home on Thursday, October 13, 2022 from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm. A funeral service will take place at the same location on Friday, October 14th, 2022 at 11:00am. See obituary HERE.

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