Coach Eddie Shannon Celebrates 100th Birthday
Coach Eddie Shannon reached a milestone this week when he celebrated his 100th birthday on March 7th. A grand centennial celebration was held on March 5th when a drive-by parade was held in his honor. Coach hung out in his front yard and greeted his many family members, friends, former students and colleagues, who stopped by to pay tribute to a great man who is well respected by all who know him.
Born March 7, 1922, Coach Shannon graduated from the all-black Lincoln Memorial High School in 1946.
Affectionately known by many as “Coach,” the name Eddie Shannon is synonymous with legend. Born and reared in Palmetto, FL, Coach is the product of local schools graduating from Memorial High School with the Class of 1943. Coach spent three years in the United States Navy after graduation. In 1946, he married the late Shirley Marie Davis. This 53 year union blessed the couple with four children – Herb, Ron, Gail and Lynn, 11 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.
Coach attended Florida A & M College in Tallahassee following his stint in the military. At Florida A& M, he played football for the legendary Jake Gaither and served as the first paid athletic trainer. He graduated in 1950 with degrees in Physical and Industrial Education. Following graduation, he taught in the schools in Haines City and served as the Director for the 13th Avenue Community Center in Bradenton. He began employment at Lincoln Memorial High School in 1955 and was appointed in 1964 to the position of Head Football Coach. He coached football, basketball, baseball and track, developing a reputation as a caring but no-nonsense man. He was known to often check on his athletes after normal school hours and was always available to provide them with guidance and stern discipline.
Under his leadership, the Lincoln Memorial High School football teams had five undefeated seasons. The names of his players were legendary across the state and many went on to excel in institutions of higher learning including the first African-American to play football at the University of Miami, Ray Bellamy. He also had the honor of coaching Henry Lawrence, a FAMU player and graduate, who went on to win three Super Bowls with the Oakland Raiders.
When the schools were integrated in Manatee County, Coach Shannon was transferred to Manatee High School assuming the role of an Assistant Coach and trainer for the football program in 1969. During the tumultuous early days of integrated schools, the respect and admiration the students had for this man was instrumental in bringing the Black and white students together. In 1987, Coach Shannon retired from Manatee High but has continued to provide inspiration to the coaches and players.
Coach Shannon remains very active in his community. In addition to his football activities, he serves as a Deacon at St. John First Baptist Institutional Church, sings with the Twin City Male Choir and serves on the Board of the Palmetto Youth Center. His dedication to the youth of his community has brought him many honors. He has been honored four times by his Fraternity, Omega Psi Phi, as “Man of the Year.” Coach is a “Charter Member” of his Fraternity. In 1996, he was chosen as a torch bearer when the Olympic Torch came through Manatee County. He has also received the Bradenton Herald’s “Rose Award,” 2004 Manatee County Distinguished Citizen Award, presented the Key to the City of Palmetto and “Distinguished Lincoln Memorial High School Alumni.” The Palmetto Youth Center’s new Field House was named in his honor. On April 29, 2012, Coach Shannon was inducted into the Florida High School Athletic Association Hall of Fame in Gainesville, FL and on September 1 4, 2012, he was inducted into the Florida A&M University Sports Hall of Fame in Tallahassee, FL.
As both a member of the National Rattler “F” Club, Inc. and an active member of the Sarasota/Manatee County Chapter of the FAMU Alumni, it has been said there is no man in Manatee County who commands the respect Shannon does. He is “Coach” to three generations of athletes and “friend” to all who have known him. He shares with all his philosophy – “If the weather kills your crop, keep a going. If you fail to get on top, keep a going. Suppose you’re broke and out of every dime; getting broke is not a hanging crime. Tell the world you’re feeling fine and keep a going!”
