By BonitaWilborn
School officials, faculty, staff, and residents of the Crossville area were saddened by the recent passing of two former coaches, Coach Roger Hibbs, and Coach Chris Garmon.
Roger Hibbs was a 1970 graduate of Sardis High School, attended Jacksonville State University (JSU), where he earned a football scholarship and became a three-year starter for Head Coach Charley Pell. He graduated from JSU with a BS Degree in History and then obtained a Master’s Degree in History and Leadership.
After graduating college, he began teaching and coaching at Etowah High School. That turned into a 36-year career with stops at Chelsea High School, Crossville High School, where in 1986, they were the Alabama 3-A State Champions with a 15-0 record, Southside High School, and Pell City High School, where he retired.
After retiring in Alabama, he became the Principal at Chattooga High School in Georgia for five years, then the Principal at Lafayette High School for five years. He then retired in Georgia. Coach Hibbs touched many hearts and inspired many to become their very best.
Roger Earl Hibbs, age 70, passed away Friday, March 3, 2023. He is survived by: Sons – Josh (Crystal) Hibbs of Pell City and Jake Hibbs of Springville. Grandchildren – Lauren, Blakelee, Alyssa, Tucker, and Devan. He was preceded in death by his wife – Teresa Hibbs.
Coach Chris Garmon was a graduate of White Plains High School. After graduating, he went to JSU, where he got a degree in education and played Gamecock baseball for Coach Rudy Abbott. He also played for the minor league team of the Minnesota Twins. Following his education and baseball career, he taught high school and coached for 30 years.
He began his career at Piedmont High School, then coached at Southside High School, was head coach at Crossville High School from 1994-2002 with a record of 70-33, Sardis High School, and finished his career at Gadsden City High School. He coached and mentored many young men who now acknowledge the difference he made in their lives.
After he retired, he spent time with his family, especially his adored grandchildren. He also had a lawn care business and officiated softball and basketball games. Coach Garmon will be inducted into the Calhoun County Sports Hall of Fame later this year.
John Christopher “Chris” Garmon, age 60, passed away Friday, March 31, 2023. He is survived by: Wife – Lori Jones Garmon. Children – Corey (Megan) Garmon, Kyle Garmon, Jordyn Garmon, Echo (Eric) Coker. Grandchildren – Kyleigh Garmon, Cooper Garmon, Mia Coker, and Lydia Coker.