We are saddened to announce the passing of Brother Bill Tate ’53 into Chapter Eternal. We want to extend our deepest sympathies into to his family, friends, and loved ones.
Source Courtesy of Minnick Funeral Service
A Celebration of the Life of Bill “Coach” Tate age 93 of Omaha, NE was held on Friday, July 25, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. at West Hills Church, 3015 S. 82nd Ave Omaha, NE 68124. Visitation was on Friday, July 25th from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at West Hills Church. Interment with Military Honors will be in the Omaha National Cemetery. Minnick Funeral Home in West Point is assisting with the arrangements.
William (Bill) Tate, 93, of Omaha, Nebraska passed away peacefully on June 23, 2025. A man of strength, conviction, and remarkable achievement, Bill lived a life defined by love, leadership, and unwavering integrity.
Born and raised in Mattoon, Illinois, Bill was a gifted athlete from a young age–winning a state tennis title, earning a spot as the 8th all-time leading scorer in Mattoon High School basketball, and receiving scholarships in both football and basketball to the University of Illinois. He earned a B.S. in Education in 1953 and later a Master’s in Physical Education.
From 1953 to 1956, Bill served with honor in the United States Marine Corps. Following his service, he played fullback for the Chicago Bears (1956-1957), then returned to the University of Illinois as an assistant football coach. In 1963, he became head football coach at Wake Forest University, leading the program until 1969. During that time, he made history as the first football coach in the ACC to recruit black athletes, helping to integrate southern collegiate athletics–a courageous and defining legacy.
His coaching career included mentoring legendary players such as Bob Grant, Brian Piccolo, and Dick Butkus. In 1972, Bill transitioned into a new chapter as a successful sales representative for Levi Strauss, where he worked until retirement in 1993.
Among his accolades:
MVP, 1952 Rose Bowl
Rose Bowl Hall of Fame Inductee, 1996
ACC Coach of the Year, 1964
University of Illinois Merit Award, 2019
Despite his impressive resume, Bill’s truest legacy lies in the people he impacted. He had a gift for making others feel seen, heard, and valued. He inspired courage, built confidence, and lived with a big heart. A man of faith, he poured energy into mentoring others, never doing anything halfway.
He was an avid golfer, swimmer, and bridge player–active and sharp up to his final days. He also loved painting and reading, always learning, always creating.
Bill is survived by his loving wife, JoAnn; daughter, Jodi Tate (Henry); stepdaughters Jodi Groff (Matt), Jana Kampschneider (Keith), Sheri Swanson (Scott), and Nicole Detra; brothers Reginald Tate and Dick Tate (Diana); special “son” Paulo Koelle; and dear friend Greg Schuchmann (Linda); along with many beloved nieces, and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Esther Tate; siblings Jim Tate, Angelina Gassett, Vie Balzar, Merna Ward; and sister-in-law Lillian Tate.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations to West Hills Church or the University of Illinois Football Enrichment Fund (Bill Tate).
He loved big. He lived big. And the impact he made won’t be forgotten.