WILLIAMSON - Longtime Williamson Wolfpack Assistant Tennis and Assistant Football Coach David Tincher was remembered by members of the Williamson High School community Thursday as a man who was counted on for much more than just his willingness to coach kids.

Tincher, a former Williamson City Police Officer, passed away suddenly Wednesday night.

Tincher had been serving as an Assistant Football Coach with both the Williamson High and Williamson Middle Football programs. Tincher had also served both schools in various capacities the last several years with the mens and women’s basketball teams.

Tincher also served as the Assistant Tennis Coach for Williamson High School for several years.

Williamson High School Principal Johnny Branch notified his staff of Tincher’s passing Thursday morning.

“It is with a saddened heart I must inform you that David Tincher, father of several WHS graduates and a member of our WHS football coaching staff, passed away last night after a massive heart attack.” said Branch’s official announcement. “Mr. Ward and I were at the hospital along with many other friends and of course, Dave's wife and family.”

Branch called upon the school’s staff to help the entire school deal with the loss.

“It will be difficult ... as we deal with breaking the news to our students, especially the football team,” Branch said. “We must do our best to offer support to our students and to one another as we grieve.”

Williamson High Head Football Coach C. Douglas Ward, Branch and the school’s counselor met with the Wolfpack football players to break the news to them.

“It’s especially hard on them because he was at practice with us just a few hours before his passing,” said Ward.

Ward said that Tincher’s loss was especially hard for him personally.

“I didn’t know how much I really depended on David until I realized that David was the one who always had the dressing room open and ready when we got to the Fieldhouse for practice or to play - so much so, I don’t even carry my fieldhouse key.”

Ward said Tincher was an integral part of their program.

“Dave was with us from Year One. He was always willing to do whatever was needed and he was such a blessing to these young men. He will be missed.”

“ These kids are hurting.” Ward said. “They loved Dave. Nobody knows all he did for this community.”

Tincher was a graduate of Williamson High School and had seen all three of his children graduate from the school as well.

Funeral arrangements for Tincher are under the direction of Weaver’s Mortuary of West Williamson.

Early plans for services were that a visitation would be held Saturday night and the funeral for the coach would be on Sunday. Early indications were that both services would be held at the Williamson Fieldhouse.