William M. Earp

William “Bill” Earp, a 1957 graduate of Emory & Henry, lettered three years as a lineman for the football team, acting as captain of the 1956 team his senior year. Earp was inducted into the E&H Sports Hall of Fame in 1974 for his accomplishments in football.

In both 1955 and 1956, Earp was named to the All-State team and in 1956 he achieved the additional distinction of being selected as a Little-All America player. As a result of his play on the field, Earp had his number 39 jersey retired by the Emory & Henry Football team. It is an honor that only three other players share.

Earp went on to receive a master’s degree from Radford University. For many years Earp worked at Marion High School, serving in various capacities as teacher, head football coach, and athletic director.

Born in  1934, William M. “Bill” Earp died on October 12, 2015 at the age of 81.