Otis LaVerne Damron, also known as "Coach," passed away in his home on Saturday, March 19. 2016.

He was part of the Tunnel Hill community since 1969. He is a graduate of Whitwell High School and East Tennessee State University, where he played football on scholarship, and Georgia State University. Upon graduation he worked at Chamblee High School in Chamblee and Rossville High School in Rossville. He worked for Whitfield County Schools from 1969 until his retirement from education in 1995. He was a health and P.E. teacher and coached at Westside High School as the head varsity football coach and then when Northwest Whitfield High School opened in 1975, he transferred there in the position of assistant principal. In 1985, he became principal at Tunnel Hill Elementary School and served as principal there 10 years until his retirement. He was the president of the Whitfield County Retired Administrators. Mr. Damron was a firm believer in education, the power of learning, a competitive spirit and the benefits of team athletics.

Mr. Damron was a member of the Tunnel Hill United Methodist Church since moving to Tunnel Hill. He instilled strong Christian values in his children and was a supporter of FCA. His mother and father taught him a strong and faithful belief in the Lord Our Father and in the saving grace of Jesus Christ which he demonstrated through his acts of service and caring throughout the community.

He is preceded in death by his father and mother, Otis Lavoy Damron and Mary Elizabeth Davis Damron of Whitwell, Tenn., as well as his brother, Charles Edward Damron, also of Whitwell.

He is survived by his wife, Martha "Sis" Caroline Cook Damron; his daughters, Emilie Caroline Damron Windham of Woodstock and Colby Len Damron Robertson of Dalton; as well as his sister, Jennea Elizabeth Damron Morrison, of Whitwell, Tenn. He was most proud of his five grandchildren, Nathan Parish Windham, Mary Gracen "GiGi" Robertson, Rielly Catherine Windham, Davis Christopher Windham and Ellis Cook Robertson. In addition, he is survived by many nieces and nephews. Mr. Damron enjoyed the love and support of many close and cherished friends from his years in north Georgia and believed in the strength of family bonds.

The family will receive friends at the church from 1 to 4 p.m. Tuesday.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in memory of Mr. Damron to Tunnel Hill First United Methodist Church, 121 N. Varnell Road, Tunnel Hill, GA 30755 and Fellowship of Christian Athletes, P.O. Box 2414, Dalton, GA 30722.

Online condolences may be offered at jjonesfuneralhome.com.

Jones Funeral Home of Tunnel Hill is in charge of arrangements.