Hinton-Turner Funeral Home

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William Arnsparger
In Memory of
William Stephen
Arnsparger Jr.
1926 - 2015
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Obituary for William Stephen Arnsparger Jr.

William Stephen Arnsparger Jr.


December 16, 1926 - July 17, 2015



Visitation:

Visitation Friday, July 24, 2015 from 5:00 PM-8:00 PM at First Christian Church





Service:

Saturday, July 25, 2015 11:00 AM First Christian Church





Interment:


Paris Cemetery

William Stephen Arnsparger, Jr. beloved husband and father, passed away peacefully at his home on July 17, 2015. Born on December 26, 1926, in Paris, Kentucky, he was 88 years old.
He attended Paris High School in 1944, where he was All State in football. After graduation, he joined the Marine Corps and was stationed in China. At the end of the war, Arnsparger attended Miami University (Ohio) where he earned both his bachelor's and master's degrees. He played football and was a member of Sigma Chi Fraternity, graduating in 1950.
Arnsparger began his coaching career under Woody Hayes at his alma mater in 1950, joining what would become known as the Cradle of Coaches. When Hayes went to Ohio State the next year, Arnsparger went with him. In 1953, he became an assistant coach for his former high school coach Blanton Collier at the University of Kentucky. In 1957, Arnsparger married Betty Jane Carter of Frankfort, Kentucky. After eight seasons at UK Arnsparger then spent two years at Tulane University in New Orleans. From there he teamed up with Don Shula at the Baltimore Colts in 1964. In 1970 Arnsparger followed Shula to Miami and helped build the Dolphins into a championship team. After going undefeated in 1972 and winning back to back Super Bowls (VII and VIII), he became the head Coach of the New York Giants from 1974-76. In mid-season of '76 he was dismissed and returned to Miami the next day. This stint included an appearance in Super Bowl XVII. Arnsparger left pro football after the '83 season to become the Head Coach at Louisiana State University, 1984-86. He then served five years as the Athletic Director at the University of Florida. Subsequently, he returned to the NFL as the Defensive Coordinator for the San Diego Chargers from 1992-95, retiring after Super Bowl XXIX.
Although retired, Arnsparger stayed active, volunteering with Stephen Ministries and the San Diego Police Department. He also authored the book, Coaching Defensive Football. In 1998, Arnsparger had the unique opportunity to coach with his son, David, at Cornell University for one season. He returned to pro football the next year, as a consultant to the Washington Redskins from 1999-2001. He finished his career with Marty Shottenheimer at San Diego in 2002.
Some of Arnsparger's many achievements include two NFL Championship games, six Super Bowl appearances, and SEC Coach of the Year, which he earned twice. He may be best known as the architect of the Miami Dolphins "No Name Defense" of 1972 and later of the "Killer B's." In 2012, Arnsparger was inducted into the Miami Dolphins Honor Roll, having his name added to the Ring of Honor at Sun Life Stadium.
Other achievements include induction into the following Halls of Fame: Paris High School; Miami University; Kentucky Athletic; Florida Athletic; and the Kentucky Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Arnsparger was preceded in death by his parents, William Stephen Arnsparger and Polly Ann Baldwin Arnsparger.
Arnsparger is survived by his wife, Betty Jane, two children, David Arnsparger and his wife Debbie, and Mary Susan Klein and her husband Stuart as well as five grandchildren and two step grandchildren.
Visitation will be held on Friday, July 24 from 5-8pm at the First Christian Church in Paris, Kentucky with the Funeral on Saturday at 11am at the same location, 911 High St.
Memorial donations may be made to the Bill Arnsparger Football Scholarship at Miami University c/o Athletic Development Office, 230 Millett Hall; Oxford, Ohio 45056.

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