Alvy E. Early, who won more than any coach in the history of college athletics in Arkansas, regardless of the sport or division, finally met an opponent he couldn't defeat. Early lost a short, sudden battle with cancer today, ending a storybook coaching career that covered a half century. Early coached the women's basketball and softball teams at the University of Arkansas at Monticello for 39 years, including three years when he coached both sports and served as the school's athletics director at the same time, never missing a beat. Before coming to UAM, he was a successful high school coach in West Fork.
The numbers don't lie. Early's UAM teams won a combined 1,178 times, more wins than any college coach in the state's history. Second on the list is Norm DeBriyn, who won 1,161 games as head baseball coach at UA-Fayetteville. Early passed his old friend in total victories last year.
For Early, coaching was always more than a job. It was his hobby, his passion, his life. "I've always said I'd coach as long as I was able and I got to do that," Early told a visitor just weeks before his death. "How many people get to do something they love their whole life?"
Early's list of accomplishments is a long one. He is a member of both the UAM and Arkansas Sports Halls of Fame, was the Gulf South Conference Softball Coach of the Decade (2000-09), won championships in two leagues in both basketball and softball and took the Cotton Blossoms basketball team to the cusp on a national championship in 1990.
He's coached a combined 19 All-Americans (11 in women's basketball and 8 in softball) and his softball team has produced a staggering 40 selections to the National Fastpitch Coaches Association All-Academic Team.
Early came to what was then Arkansas A&M in 1963 but his journey to Monticello took a few twists and turns along the way. Born in Fort Smith, Early lived in Van Buren until his father moved the family to Pahokee, Fla., a small farming community on the southeast shore of Lake Okeechobee in south central Florida.
Early went on to letter in football, baseball and tennis at A&M, graduating in 1967 before landing in West Fork, where he coached the football and girls' basketball teams. He married Nancy Baker of Monticello his second year in West Fork and by the time the womens basketball coaching job at UAM came open in 1979, the couple had three sons.
Coaching runs in the Early family. His three sons, Preston, Brian and Kent, followed their father into coaching. Preston, 47, is the winningest girls' basketball coach in the history of Rogers High School; Brian, 45, is the defensive line coach at Arkansas State; and Kent, 42, is a successful softball coach at Bentonville High School, the winner of three Class 7A state championships.
Survivors include his wife, Nancy Baker Early of Monticello; three sons, Preston Early and wife Sloane of Springdale, Brian Early and wife Nanci of Jonesboro and Kent Early and wife Ashley of Bentonville; and six grandchildren, Jake, Aivery, Camryn, Grayson, and Easton Early and Dre Greenlaw.
Funeral service will be 4:00 p.m. Thursday, June 14, 2018 at First Baptist Church with burial to follow in Oakland Cemetery with Rev. Rob Leonard officiating. Visitation will be two hours prior to service time at the church. Memorials may be made to: Fight With AE, c/o Commercial Bank, P.O. Box 150, Monticello, AR 71657. Online guestbook www.stephensondearman.com.
Condolences(60)
Chris, Elizabeth, Seth, Faith (I/M) & Cayden Reed
, AR Thursday, September 20, 2018 Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.Suza Jordan
Fayetteville, AR Wednesday, June 20, 2018 Nancy, Jim and I were so sad to hear about Alvy. You and family are in our prayers. Love and Hugs, SuzaTammy Eubanks Fulgham
greenwood, MS Tuesday, June 19, 2018 So for ya'll lost. Will be praying for your family.Jeff Barwick
Clewiston, FL Saturday, June 16, 2018 Dear Nancy and family, We are so saddened by your loss. He touched so many lives along his pathways and made a difference. He was so proud of his family and his school. Alvy was my best friend in Pahokee, FL way back when. We were constantly together with playing ball and doing the things teenagers and young men do. Hoping that each of you find the grace and peace that only God can provide. Alvy ended his days on earth doing the things that he loved so much----caring for his family and coaching young athletes.Shelia Ratledge
Thornton, CO Friday, June 15, 2018 Nancy just wanted to say so sorry for your loss. Danny and I have your family in our prayers. Shelia, Danny and kidsVickie Hickam McCall
Woodlawn, AR Friday, June 15, 2018 So sad to hear of Coach Earlys passing. He was a good man and a great coach. Prayers for Ms Nancy ans all the family.Carol (Spider) Jones-Hooper
Warren, AR Thursday, June 14, 2018 From Carol (Spider) Jones-Hooper, Nancy, Preston, Brian and Kent, you all cannot imagine how my heart hurt for you all. I can remember meeting Alvy coming to West Fork and those were the good old days. He was always kind to me. He would say Spider come and help out at Basketball Camp. I’d say I’m on my way to check in on Sunday afternoon. He will always be remembered by my Daughter for putting a quarter in her ear. My Cousin Felecia Shorter loved herself some Coach Early. She called me a few weeks ago to tell me Ally was it’ll. I said I’m going to Birmingham and I’ll check on him on the 11th when I get back and he passed away on the 11th. I’m sorry I was out of town for the services but you all were in my Prayers. Tell the Guys hello and they are in my Prayers as well.Ray and Shauna Tipton
Ashdown, AR Thursday, June 14, 2018 We were heartbroken to hear of Coach Early’s illness and passing. We will never forget that he gave our daughter not only a great experience on the friend, but served as her mentor, friend and caretaker while she was at UAM. He went so far beyond being a great coach. I will always be grateful for him. He will always be remembered as one of the most influential men in her life. We have always had immense respect for this legendary coach. We send hugs to Nancy, his sons and families and we are in prayer. We have lost a truly great man.In Sincere Sympathy,
Ray, Shauna, Sydney and Shelby Tipton
Hampton Inn Monticello
Monticello, AR Thursday, June 14, 2018 To the Early family please know that you are deeply in our thoughts in your time of need. The Hampton Inn Family will truly miss Coach Early. Our prayers are with you.Sincerely
Kim Patel
General Manager
Hampton Inn Monticello
Trent Young
Rison, AR Thursday, June 14, 2018 May the Lord bless you during your time of sorrow. I considered Coach a very good friend. He and I talked many times about softball and life topics. We will pray for the family and lean upon GOD for strength and courage in the coming days.Jerry & Susan McAdoo Boyd
West Fork, AR Thursday, June 14, 2018 Nancy and Boys,Coach Early touched so many lives, his memories will be forever in West Fork, by the ones that knew him. God gave him a gift to Coach, and he took the gift and succeeded throughout his life.
Our hearts are saddened by your loss and our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Lori Lowrey
Rogers, AR Thursday, June 14, 2018 We are so sorry for your loss. Coach Alvy Early was a positive influence in our daughter's life. She loved going to camp with the Bentonville Tigers in Monticello. She loved seeing Coach at the games in Bentonville in the spring. She was always thrilled to be able to say hello and hug him even though she played for a different team. He will be missed so much.Ellis “ Scooter” Register
Little Rock, AR Thursday, June 14, 2018 Dear Family,I got to know Coach Early through officiating many of his basketball games with UAM. I developed tremendous respect for him. His integrity and honesty was unmatched. What a huge impact he’s made on some many young individuals. My condolences go out to the entire family. Peace Be With You.
janice bartholomew
prairie grove, AR Thursday, June 14, 2018 Thoughts and Prayers going out to the family. He was such a mentor to so many. We were very lucky to be coached by such a great coach. He will always be remembered as the best Coach anybody could have.Becky and Duane Dunkle
Brentwood, AR Thursday, June 14, 2018 Dear Nancy and family,We are so sorry to hear of Coach Early’s passing. You both meant so much to us in our teen years. Duane especially enjoyed playing football for Coach Early and playing fastpitch softball with him during the summer. Our prayers and thoughts are with you all.
Love,
Becky and Duane
Karen Logsdon Daugherity
West Fork, AR Wednesday, June 13, 2018 I am so very sorry to hear of Coach Early's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with each you. May God give you peace and comfort during this difficult time.Dedra Stegall Harris
Wynne, AR Wednesday, June 13, 2018 So sorry to hear this 😢. As my coach in the 80s, I was saddened by this news. The community has lost a great man, coach, father and husband. Our prayers are with the family. 🙏🏽Bill Lawrence
Russellville, AR Wednesday, June 13, 2018 So sorry about your loss. Alvy and I were freshman together and teammate. We had great Spring Break trips to Florida. His teammates and former players will definitely miss him.Bill lawrence
Russellville, AR Wednesday, June 13, 2018 Nancy and family Sorry about your loss. Alvy and I came in as freshman together. Made trips to Florida during Spring break and were teammates together. He will be missed by all his teammates and former players.David Denman
Dyersburg, TN Wednesday, June 13, 2018 Suddenly shocked, viewing the Little Rock paper just now, to see my old dorm mate and friend from A&M has passed away.....but he may be gone, but never forgotten. What a guy....great coach, friendly, funny, and on and on. Never will forget having gone years without seeing him, then seeing he would be right down the road, in Jackson, Tn. with his basketball team, playing for a National Championship.....so my family and I took in a couple of the games and Alvy was quick to see me, get to my side and renew old memories. I am sure he has already renewed hundreds after arriving in God`s perfect place.....God bless Alvy`s family and support them in this time of grief and sorrow. One more person to enjoy seeing when I get there. Thank you Alvy for the great memories.Freddy Russell
Batesville, AR Wednesday, June 13, 2018 Worked with him at West Fork. No finer man not just a coach. Honor just to know him.Don and Kay Koen
Monticello, AR Wednesday, June 13, 2018 Alvy was a special man and will surely be missed by all who knew himGwen Walker
North Little Rock, AR Wednesday, June 13, 2018 My condolences to the Early family. Coach Early coached me my last year in college, and he was truly a giving man of his knowledge, friendship, and just enjoyment of life. He will be truly missed.Donna Krug
Mountain Home, AR Wednesday, June 13, 2018 My sincere condolences to the entire family.Prayers of comfort...
Wendy Young
Monticello, AR Wednesday, June 13, 2018 Coach Early has left a lasting impression on so many UAM athletes lives. As such an athlete, I am grateful not only for his deep knowledge of sports but for his empathy, support and kindness. You are going to be missed terribly Coach Early.Perry Kelly
Oak Grove, LA Wednesday, June 13, 2018 So sorry for your loss.I worked 4 years with him and made a lifetime friend. More than wins he helped a lot of people along the way. Sometimes it seemed like he knew everyone in the state of Arkansas. He will be greatly missed.Mary Kay Parr
Germantown, TN Wednesday, June 13, 2018 Nancy and Family,I was saddened to hear about Coach's illness and now his passing. I certainly enjoyed my time as a Blossom and respected Coach so much. I have been praying diligently for your entire family and will continue to do so in the coming weeks. May God comfort you and give you strength, peace, and grace. Love you.
Janice Gladden Wiggam
Hot Springs Village, AR Wednesday, June 13, 2018 You are all in my thoughts and prayers. May God surround you with his loving arms to give you peace and comfort in your loss.Pat Savage Montgomery
Monticello, AR Wednesday, June 13, 2018 My thoughts and prayers are with you all.Lindy Ebaugh Hester
Monticello, AR Tuesday, June 12, 2018 Doing what you like is freedom. Liking what you do is happiness.Alvy embodied this saying. My condolences to Nancy and family.
RIP ALvy
Bobby Vint
Mulberry, AR Tuesday, June 12, 2018 Alvy was such an inspiration for me in so many waysToday I rejoice in that I knew his family and had the privilege to work with him and follow very closely all the success he achieved. What Alvy accomplished on this planet will be around for years to come. To Nancy and the boys , I love you all. Bobby
Boyce and Barbara Davis
Monticello, AR Tuesday, June 12, 2018 Sorry for your loss, prayers for the familyBill and Virginia Clements
Conway, AR Tuesday, June 12, 2018 We are so sorry for your loss Nancy and family. May God stand by you during this time of sorry. Praying for all of you.Weldon Fitch
Bastrop, LA Tuesday, June 12, 2018 I was so sorry to hear about Coach Early. There is no way to count the number of people who's lives he has touched. He was a great coach, mentor, and friend. He is going to be very much missed.Erik Hunter Ray
North Little Rock, AR Tuesday, June 12, 2018 I'm truly grateful to Alvy, Nancy, Preston, Brian, & Kent for helping to make my childhood full of such fun & happy memories that I'm able to reflect back on so often. All of us who were lucky enough to be in your lives were really blessed. I look forward to seeing each of you on Thursday and will continue to pray for your Peace and ready recollection of all the happy memories you shared with him.cheryl stanley
conway, AR Tuesday, June 12, 2018 kent i dont know if you remember me but we graduated high school together in monticello i am so so sorry to hear about your daddy you miss nancy and family are in my thoughts and prayersrichard sanders
monticello, AR Tuesday, June 12, 2018 Prayers from the sanders familyShelby Williams
Little Rock, AR Tuesday, June 12, 2018 Nancy and family,My heart goes out to you in your time of sorrow. Coach Early was a great coach and teacher as he was my gymnastics teacher when I attended UAM. I'm praying for the family.
Barry Davis
Monticello, AR Tuesday, June 12, 2018 Coach Early was such an inspiration, mentor and father figure to so many kids and people in our community for so many years. What a legend Heaven has gained! Prayers to the family!! RIP Coach!Pam Gladden
Monticello, AR Tuesday, June 12, 2018 Dear Nancy and Family,I send my love and prayers at the transition of your husband and father. May Holy Spirit comfort you and hold you close during this time of sorrow.
Mike Fox
Rogers, AR Tuesday, June 12, 2018 Thoughts and prayers are with your family. 6A West Coaches and OfficialsRay Jordan
Monticello, AR Tuesday, June 12, 2018 We're so sorry to hear this news of your love one. I worked at the University for 38yrs and I always enjoyed talking with Coach Early. He was a very good person and God has gained a beautiful soul.We will continue to pray for your family.
Ray Jordan & Family
John Selph
West Fork, AR Tuesday, June 12, 2018 I loved the years that Coach Early and I coached together here at West Fork. He and his family have always been very special to me and mine. Prayers for the family.Renee Todd
Clinton, MS Tuesday, June 12, 2018 Mrs. Nancy and sons, I am so sorry to hear about Coach Early. He was a very special man that my Emily adored! I feel honored and blessed for Emily and Coach Early's paths crossing. He treated her like his own daughter, took her under his wing and taught her so much in the last 2 years. My prayers are with all you!Dr Sam Wherry
LITTLE ROCK, AR Tuesday, June 12, 2018 May God's Continued Blessings Covering Favor upon Nancy Early and the family during this time of Bearvement of the Honorable Accomplished Par Excellence Spou see e, Coach Alvy Early Transformation from this Mortal State into Immortality with El Shaddhi The Almighty God and King Jesus Christ.Rufus Henson
Monticello, AR Monday, June 11, 2018 Coach Early was well respected throughout the sports world...not only by the coaches and players, but the students as well. This man touched many lived over the years; many of which were on the UAM campus. He is as much a part of UAM as any student, athlete, faculty member. There isn't really anywhere on the UAM campus you can go and not see Coach Early. He touched countless lives, helped mold many and was an inspiration to so many young athletes and students he came in contact with. UAM will miss him dearly. My prayers go out to all of his family in this time of loss. His memory will live on at UAM and in the hearts of those he came in contact with.Lowell F Lynde Jr
Monticello, AR Monday, June 11, 2018 Alvy was a real asset to UAM and although he is now gone he will not be forgotten. He was one of the most upbeat persons I ever knew. My condolences to Nancy and his sons. May God be with you and bless you with many happy memories. R.I.P., Alvy.Gloria Schwab
Bentonville, AR Monday, June 11, 2018 Nancy & boys, I’m so sorry for your loss . Alvy was one of a kind . Sending prayers your way for peace and comfort . Blessing , Gloria & KaleyKim and David Hoffman
Roland, AR Monday, June 11, 2018 Nancy and Family,We are so sorry to hear of Alvy’s passing. Sending prayers for comfort for you all. Please accept our deepest condolences.
John & Paige (Hill) Stell
Monticello, AR Monday, June 11, 2018 You are all in our thoughts and prayers.Love,
John, Paige, Jayson, Colt, Brayden, Brad, Jake, & Jared
Marvin, & Gene Norton
Monticello, AR Monday, June 11, 2018 We will certainly miss Coach. Our prayers are with all of you.Bert & Jo Munn (Tim's parents)
Port St. Joe, FL Monday, June 11, 2018 Nancy and family ,So sorry for our loss.
Eric Grider
Fort Sam Houston, TX Monday, June 11, 2018 A great friend to everyone and a great coach. The UAM family will miss him but when you walk on the UAM campus, you will see bits and pieces of Coach Early now and forever.Blu & Meredith Green
Prairie Grove, AR Monday, June 11, 2018 I will always remember Alvy as a great story teller. For a young coach like myself, sitting around and listening to him was so much fun. He was always so kind to me with words of encouragement and advice. I know he will be missed by many. Thoughts and prayers to the Early family.Barbara Harris
Portland, AR Monday, June 11, 2018 I am so sorry to hear of Alvy’s death. Did not realize he was ill. Many fond memories of things we did together in basketball. May God comfort you in this time of loss. You will be in my prayers. Love each and every one of you. Coach Barbara Gilliam HarrisRobin Johnson
Monticello, AR Monday, June 11, 2018 Nancy and family,my heart is so sad to hear about Alvy. A great man, person,mentor and he will be truly missed.
Robin Davis Johnson
Kay McClain Worbington
Monticello, AR Monday, June 11, 2018 Dear Nancy, My prayers and condolences go to you and your family at this very sad time!Dolly Farmer
Monticello, AR Monday, June 11, 2018 My sincere condolences to Coach Early's family. He was a wonderful Coach, man, friend, and mentor. I will forever miss his smile and sweet ways. God gained an angel and we lost one.linda funderburg
monticello, AR Monday, June 11, 2018 nancy and sons i am so sorry to hear about coach's death, you'll are in my prayers..may God hold you close during this sad time..DR. FAKOURI AND NURSES
MONTICELLO, AR Monday, June 11, 2018 SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS. HE WILL BE GREATLY MISSED. CONTINUED THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS FOR THE FAMILY.