Coach Gene Epley passed away Sunday, November 21, 2010, at his home on Hillcrest Drive in Marietta, Ohio. He was born December 18, 1942, in Midland, Pennsylvania to Grover and Dorothy Solar Epley. As a standout football player in high school, Gene went on to both play and graduate from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, going on to coach at Utah State University, where he received his Masters Degree. In 1972, he became the Head Football Coach at Shippensburg State College, and shortly after, the Defensive Coordinator at the University of Virginia in 1976. In 1979, he served as the Defensive Coordinator at the United States Military Academy at West Point, rising to the position of Defensive Coordinator at the College of William & Mary in 1983. His coaching career included other highlights such as Head Football Coach at Marietta College, where he compiled the most winning record in Marietta College football history, ending a strong career as the assistant head coach at Parkersburg High School, winning two state championships. He is survived by his beloved wife, Shelly Windeler-Epley, son, Kelly Epley and daughter, Shelly King (David), grandchildren, Hunter and Kelly-Ann King, two brothers, Donald (Mary) and Russell Epley, two stepsons, Blake and Britton Windeler and his two black labs, Rowdy and Ruffy. Gene had a special knack for teaching and coaching. He positively impacted the lives of all who played for, and coached with him, and his memory will carry on in all of them. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 27, 2010, at 1:00 p.m. at St. Luke's Lutheran Church, 401 Scammel St., Marietta, Ohio. The Rev. Steven M. Mahaffey will be officiating. Following the service, there will be a reception at the church. Memorial contributions can be made to the Gene Epley Football Stadium Fund, 140 Gross St., Box 157, Marietta, Ohio, 45750. The family would like to give special thanks to Dr. Kelli Cawley for her love and devotion. The Marietta Chapel of Cawley & Peoples Funeral Home is assisting the family.
