Marvin Vanover

Marvin Vanover

Augusta, Georgia – Mr. Marvin Vanover entered into rest Friday, May 19, 2017.

Marvin was a native of Harlan, Kentucky and established himself as a prominent citizen in Augusta, Georgia. He attended Georgia Southern University and received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Physical Education. He completed his Master’s Degree in Physical Education from The Peabody School of Education at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee. Marvin also attended Eastern Kentucky University to pursue his E.Ds. Degree in Administration.

He was enlisted in the US Army and stationed at Fort Gordon in Augusta, Georgia. He taught and coached at Bolles Academy in Jacksonville, Florida. Marvin began his reign with Augusta College (now Augusta University) to develop the athletic department. He was the Athletic Director, Chairman of the Physical Education Department, Head Basketball Coach, Instructor, and Professor of Health and Physical Education. Marvin also served as the first golf, tennis and cross country coach. He integrated the first African American basketball players in the state of Georgia. He led the Jaguars men’s basketball team to two consecutive NAIA District 2S Championships and the team’s first appearance in the NCAA Division II Tournament and was named the NAIA District 25 “Coach of the Year”. The mayor of Augusta and the Georgia State Senate declared February 14, 1970 as “Marvin Vanover Day”. He received a Certificate of Commendation from Georgia Governor Lester Maddox. Governor Maddox also attended the Augusta College Jaguar basketball game that same evening.

Marvin was commissioned by Augusta University to create a vast arena to field the team he created. The fieldhouse was built and Vanover Drive was named in his honor in 2003. He received the Kodak District Coach of The Year Award in 1981. Marvin was honored by the Atlanta Tipoff Club as the Georgia Collegiate Coach of the Year. The NCAA Division II South Atlanta Conference named him Coach of the Year in 1980-1981. The Conference also named Marvin Coach of the Year in the NCAA’s South District. Additionally, he was one of the founders of the Big South Conference. In 2007, Marvin was given the President’s Award of Augusta University and a Scholarship was developed in his Honor. The Peach Belt Conference renamed the annual basketball tournament in his honor. Later, the Conference inducted Marvin into its inaugural Hall of Fame class in 2016. He was inducted into the Augusta City Classic Hall of Fame athletic program. He accomplished this distinction with the support of the outstanding staff he selected. From the beginning, he surrounded himself with great coaches, teachers, players, and stellar administration. These individuals epitomized his ideals for a great program consisting of sportsmanship, integrity and the highest achievement.

The state of Kentucky recognized his achievements and service, naming him a Kentucky Colonel, the highest title of honor given by the governor of Kentucky and the Secretary of State. Marvin was always active in his community, participating in activities such as modeling for commercials with Belks and being a member of the Augusta Exchange Club, the Shady Tree Model A Car Club, Ponte Vedra Country Club, West Lake Country Club.

Marvin’s former players have continued to visit their “Coach” and together relive the memories of their athletic days in Augusta. His spirit will forever live on in the Augusta University Athletics Programs.

He is survived by his daughter: Holly Vanover Bentley and husband, James Bentley; son: Derek Vanover and wife, Laurie Vanover; granddaughters: Delaney Vanover, Daughtry Vanover, and Hurst Bentley; additional family: Joan Hurst Vanover and Amanda Johnson; brothers: Roy Vanover and Family, Raymond Vanover and family; and many nephews, nieces and cousins in Kentucky.

The family would like to give special thanks to Lizzie Henderson, Lacey Turner and Teri Turner, who took good care of our family.

The funeral service will be Friday, June 2, 2017 at 11:00 A.M. at Saint Paul’s Episcopal Church, 605 Reynolds Street, Augusta, Georgia 30901, with a reception to follow in The River Room of Saint Paul’s. There will be a private burial on a family plot. Pallbearers will be Chipper Bagwell, Jack Blue, Greg Bryan, Denny Bureau, Craig Claxton, Neil Cody Jr., Jeff May, Michael Meybohm, Malcolm Miller, and Kevin Richards. Honorary pallbearers will be student athletes, members of Peach Belt Conference, and members of the Jaguar Nation.

Military Honors will be presented by Colonel David Branch and the Georgia Army National Guard.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to The Marvin Vanover Scholarship / Augusta University Foundation @ giving.augusta.edu/vanover or by mail: 1120 15th Street, Fl-1000, Augusta, Georgia, 30912 or Georgia Southern University Athletic Foundation, P.O. Box 8115, Statesboro, Georgia 30460.

The family will receive friends Thursday evening, June 1, 2017, from 5:00 until 7:00 P.M. at Thomas Poteet & Son Funeral Directors, 214 Davis Rd., Augusta, Georgia 30907, (706) 364-8484. Please sign the guestbook at www.thomaspoteet.com .