BASKIN, LAWRENCE S., JR.

Coach Lawrence Simpson Baskin, age 84, a resident of Rockwood, TN passed away Friday, December 26, 2008 at his home.

He was born April 10, 1924 in Memphis, TN. Mr. Baskin was a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and was wounded in combat. Coach Baskin started teaching and coaching in Rockwood in 1954 and continued to do so for over 40 years. At the beginning of his career, he was coaching football with Coach Tom Pemberton at Rockwood High School and saw a need to start a Rockwood Middle School football program, which continues today. He still holds the Tennessee state record for number of wins. Coach Baskin also coached girls’ basketball and golf at Rockwood High School and taught Math at Rockwood Junior High School.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Jerry Baskin; mother, Thelma Baskin; and step-daughter, Dee Smith.

Survivors include stepsons and stepdaughters-in-law, Brad and Carol Smith of Rockwood and Rod and Kathleen Smith of Lancaster, Calif.; grandchildren, Miranda Smith of Knoxville, Carrie Miller of Nashville and Hannah Smith, Sharon Smith, Michael Smith and Stephen Smith, all of Lancaster; and brothers and sister-in-law, George and Diane Baskin of Gainesville, Ga., and James Baskin of Memphis.

Funeral service was at 8 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 28, in Evans Mortuary Chapel, Rockwood, with the Rev. Keith Knight officiating. Graveside service, with full military honors by the Roane County Military Memorial Honor Guard, and burial were at 11 a.m. Monday, Dec. 29, at Oak Grove Cemetery, Rockwood.

Memorial donations may be made to the Rockwood Middle School football program.