Coaching Legend
On Saturday, August 2, 2025, William “Bill” James Springer passed away peacefully at the age of 90. Born in Indianapolis on December 1, 1934, to James and Mildred Springer, Bill met the love of his life, Carolyn (Hickman) Springer, at Washington High School. The couple later married in 1955 and spent the next 70 years building a life together, raising a family, and serving the Lord.
A devout follower of Jesus Christ, Bill had been an active member of Greenwood Christian Church where he served as an Elder and taught Sunday School for several years. His relationship with Christ fueled his passion for basketball, giving him the gift of teaching and coaching.
He had the privilege to work at Linden High School, Seeger High School, Brazil High School, Shortridge High School, Bloomington South High School, and Southport High School.
He was chosen to coach the Indiana All-Stars in 1990, and his 1990 team at Southport played in the highest attended high school basketball game in the country in the Final Four state championship held at the then named Hoosier Dome.
His career afforded him the opportunity to be inducted into several halls of fame including his high school, college (Hanover) and the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame. He had an impact on many lives sharing Christ’s love and his love for the game. Many called him “Coach” and we called him Dad, Grandpa, and Ggpa (great grandpa), but one thing is for certain, we all became a family, the team our parents dreamed of having.
Bill is survived by his children, Tony (Sue), Mike (Debbi), Debbie (Dave), Beth Ann (Kevin) and John (Kate); 19 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren; his brother Jack (Judy) Springer of Venice, FL; and nieces and nephew.
Bill was preceded in death by his loving wife, Carolyn, his parents and his brother, Tom Springer.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, August 7, 2025 from 5 pm to 8 pm at Greenwood Christian Church, 2045 Averitt Road, Greenwood, IN 46143. The funeral service will be held on Friday, August 8, 2025, at 10 am at Greenwood Christian Church. Arrangements have been entrusted to G. H. Herrmann Funeral Home.
Bill will be laid to rest in the Prayer Garden in Forest Lawn Memory Gardens.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Greenwood Christian Church or the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame.
The family invites those who knew Bill to share their memories, photographs, and condolences online, helping to honor his legacy and keep his memory alive. www.ghherrmann.com