Madisonville and Sequoyah Mourn the Loss of Beloved Football Coach Stan Rice, Revered Mentor and Influential Leader Who Dedicated His Life to Shaping Young Athletes and Uplifting His Community Through the Game He Loved

MADISONVILLE, TN — A deep sense of loss has settled over the communities of Madisonville and Sequoyah following the passing of Stanley “Stan” Rice, a respected and beloved football coach whose life and legacy extended far beyond the field. Known for his unwavering commitment to youth development, his coaching expertise, and his heartfelt dedication to his players and peers, Rice leaves behind a legacy that will be remembered for generations.

Coach Stan Rice, a long-time figure in East Tennessee football, was not only a key part of the Sequoyah High School coaching staff but also a mentor, friend, and role model to countless student-athletes throughout the region. His unexpected passing has left family, friends, former players, and the larger athletic community in mourning.

A Legacy on the Field and in the Lives of Many

Stan Rice’s coaching journey spanned decades, where he served as a dedicated assistant and coordinator, most recently as Co-Offensive Coordinator for the Sequoyah High School football team. Partnering with fellow coach Dustin Peels, Rice brought vision, structure, and energy to the team’s offensive unit, helping to mold student-athletes not just into better players, but into stronger, more confident young adults.

“Coach Rice had the rare ability to teach discipline and accountability while showing love and encouragement,” said one former player. “He believed in us before we believed in ourselves.”

His coaching style emphasized not only athletic performance but also integrity, leadership, and teamwork. Rice’s presence on the sidelines was always steady—both a strategist and a source of unwavering support. He celebrated victories with humility and faced defeats with resilience, always using every moment as a teaching opportunity.

More Than a Coach

Off the field, Rice was known for his deep compassion, sharp wit, and unwavering sense of community. He attended church functions, school events, and often supported students in their endeavors beyond sports. Colleagues recall him as someone who never hesitated to lend a helping hand or offer a kind word.

“He was the heart of the locker room, and honestly, the heart of this community,” said a fellow coach. “You knew if Coach Rice was around, things were going to be alright.”

Rice’s influence extended beyond Sequoyah High School, touching lives in neighboring Madisonville and across Monroe County. He mentored countless young men through football programs, local camps, and youth leagues, often volunteering his time to ensure every child had a shot at success.

Tributes Pour In

Since news of his passing broke, tributes from alumni, coaches, parents, and fans have poured in on social media, recounting the many ways Rice changed lives—often with just a few words of encouragement or a quiet gesture of support.

One parent wrote: “Coach Rice saw something special in our son when others didn’t. He helped him grow into a confident young man. We are forever grateful.”

Final Farewell

Details surrounding the cause of Stan Rice’s passing have not been publicly released. Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced in the coming days, with community members preparing to gather and honor a man whose impact was as wide as it was deep.

In memory of Coach Rice, Sequoyah High School plans to hold a special tribute during the upcoming football season. There is also discussion underway to establish a memorial scholarship in his name—one that would benefit student-athletes who exemplify the qualities Stan Rice lived by: leadership, perseverance, humility, and heart.

As the region comes to terms with the loss, one thing is certain—Stan Rice’s legacy lives on in the lives of the many young men and women he coached, mentored, and inspired. He will be remembered not just for the games he helped win, but for the lives he helped shape.

Rest in peace, Coach Rice. You were truly one of a kind.