Beloved Tennessee High School Basketball Coach Dies at 73 After Tractor Accident: ‘He Was More Than a Teacher or Coach’
· Yahoo Sports
Credit: Smith-Reagan Funeral Home
NEED TO KNOW
- Paul Douglas McBee, a longtime Tennessee high school basketball coach and educator, has died at 73 following a tractor accident on his farm
- He coached at Grainger High School and was the father of former University of Tennessee basketball player Skylar McBee
- McBee is survived by his wife of 53 years, three children and five grandchildren, according to his obituary
Paul Douglas McBee, a longtime Tennessee high school basketball coach and educator died at the age of 73.
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Officials from the Grainger County Sheriff’s Office said he McBee’s death followed a rollover tractor accident on his farm on July 21, WVLT reported.
McBee spent decades shaping the lives of students and athletes in Grainger County, first teaching at Rutledge High School before the school became Grainger High School in 2008, according to Knox News. During his career, he served as an assistant coach for both the boys’ and girls’ basketball teams.
His obituary remembered him as someone whose impact stretched well beyond the basketball court.
“Beyond his family, Doug made an immeasurable impact as a teacher and coach. To many, he was more than a teacher or coach-he was a mentor, role model, and a trusted friend who believed in people even when they struggled to believe in themselves,” the obituary reads.
He also coached his sons in high school, including Skylar McBee, who joined the University of Tennessee men’s basketball team as a walk-on in 2009. Skylar later earned a full scholarship and played four seasons under coaches Bruce Pearl and Cuonzo Martin, according to Knox News.
In 2012, after Grainger High School retired Skylar’s jersey following his graduation with 2,363 career points — the second-most in school history — McBee reflected on what the honor meant to their family.
“We’re so appreciative and so humbled because of it,” he told Knox News at the ceremony. “We’re just Grainger Countians and we’re just so proud of the way they’ve supported him and taken this opportunity to honor him. Words can’t express how you feel at moments like this.”
The obituary describes McBee as someone who quietly served others, offering encouragement, helping neighbors and supporting those in need without seeking recognition.
“He had a true servant’s heart,” the obituary states. “He never sought recognition for the countless acts of kindness he quietly offered to those in need.”
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His son, Chase McBee, similarly remembered his father’s generosity and dedication to others.
“He was one of those that would give you the shirt off his back,” Chase told Knox News. “He loved his community, he loved his family, but most importantly, he loved the Lord.”
McBee is survived by his wife, Sue, with whom he shared 53 years of marriage, and their children, Megan, Chase and Skylar. He is also survived by his sister, Deb Holt, and five grandchildren, according to his obituary.
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