E.H. Sonny "Coach O" Oliphant

E. H. Sonny "Coach O" Oliphant passed away at peace with God and fellowman on February 28, 2025 at Monroe Medical Center in Tompkinsville.

He was born in Scottsville, KY on February 17, 1944 to John and Virginia (Sledge) Oliphant. He is survived by his wife Annabell who was… in his words… “sent from above,” and older sister Romanza Johnson. He was saved by God’s grace in a spring revival at Durham Springs Baptist Church in 1960, and presently attended Bethlehem when his health allowed.

Sonny taught Health and P. E. and Driver’s Ed. at Park City (6 years), Gamaliel (11 years), Monroe County High (14 years) and Monroe Middle (2 years), retiring in 1999. He was active in civic organizations in those communities. He served on the Gamaliel City Commission for ten years, manning the post of police commissioner, Gamaliel City Park Director and mayor pro-tem during his Gamaliel years. He also served as President of the Park City Lions Club and was a Kentucky Colonel. Sonny was a veteran in both the National Guard and Army Reserve.

Coach O – as he was known by for many years was widely known in both the 4th and 5th Region areas for over four decades. His coaching resume included both 8 and 11 man football, both boys and girls basketball, baseball, track, golf and girls softball. He played a year of basketball at Western before finishing up and doing his student teaching at his old high school Scottsville High (remember the Pointers!)

He did much of his coaching after overcoming a near fatal car wreck in 1978 that took many months of surgeries and rehab to overcome. After this accident ended his slo-pitch softball playing days, he managed several area teams with his mid 80’s Monroe Co. A’s team reaching the USSSA National Tournament. 

His greatest blessing in life was the many friendships he attained in his teaching and coaching journeys. His memory and recall of faces and names was fantastic.

Visitation will be Wednesday March 5th from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Bartley and Sons Funeral Home, 204 Columbia Ave, Tompkinsville, KY 42167, Thursday March 6th from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at T. W. Crow & Son Funeral Home in Scottsville, KY and Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at T. W. Crow & Son Funeral Home.

Funeral Services will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. on Friday at the T. W. Crow & Son Funeral home in Scottsville, KY with burial to follow in the Fairview Cemetery in Bowling Green, KY. Ricky Miller, Bro. Danny Holland, and Bro. Paul Mills will officiate the service. 

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Bethlehem Church and Monroe County Sports Hall of Fame.

Honorary Pallbearers: Keith Clarkson, Jo Anna Oliphant, Dale Turner, Chris Eaton, Rev. William Fishback, Bill Flippin, Dr. Kim Eakle, Kenny Garrett, John Gerughty, Jenny Goad, Caroline Habbitt, Karl Napier, Steve Hoskens, Odis Proffitt, Lori Stinson, John C. Hamilton, Bruce Johnson, Gary York, Larry Moore, Mary Helen Bartley, Brandon Vetter, and all former players, cheerleaders, fellow coaches, and baseball bat girls. 

Bartley & Sons Funeral Home has been honored to be entrusted with the care of Coach O, and his family at this time.