Peter Anthony "Tony" Plavich

It is with heavy hearts that the family of Peter Anthony "Tony" Plavich announce the passing of their brother, friend, mentor, long-time area coach and educator on Friday, October 4th in his home surrounded by family following several months of battling Pancreatic Cancer. Tony was 66 years old.

Tony, "Plav", or Coach as he was known to those who knew him best was born at Fort Campbell Kentucky and raised in Nashville, Tennessee. His parents, Lillie Elizabeth Parker and Peter Anthony Plavich preceded him in death. He played high school football and wrestled for John Overton High School in Nashville. He played 4 years of college football at Tennessee Tech University and received numerous honors including Honorable Mention All American. He met and married his college sweetheart Nancy Lynn Wilhite in 1974 and after college they both moved to Dalton, Georgia to begin their careers as educators at Southeast High School. Tony coached football and wrestling and Nancy taught English. Tony transferred to Murray County high school and continued to coach wrestling and football. A tragic accident in 1983 took the life of Nancy. With the support of family, friends, and the community, he continued to dedicate his time and effort to sports. Tony became the head football coach at Murray County High school in 1984 and led the Indians to a record year with a 12-2 record and all the way to the state semi-finals. Tony was a fierce competitor, but it was his goal of motivating his players to always give 100% that stands out during his coaching career. Tony only asked that you give your best effort and that is all he expected, and what occurred on the field, the mat, or in life would take care of itself if you put forth your very best at all times. Tony left Murray County High School and ended his teaching years at Northwest Elementary in Murray County. His final years were perhaps his most memorable, and he loved every minute of his day. He faced a challenge of teaching elementary children with no Coaching responsibilities a career change he had never imagined he would undertake and like any other challenge in his life he thrived and became a better person for the experience, and the children loved him.

Tony met Connie Sue Becker, and they married in 1985. She was the love of his life and he would tell all who would listen that it was her inner beauty that molded him to be a better person as time passed. Tony lost Connie in September of 2017 after 32 years of marriage and has lived with a broken heart since her passing. He is now no longer alone and with her in heaven.

Tony was the oldest of five siblings and was the older brother you would imagine he would be. He loved his family dearly and was always there when needed. He is survived by brother Guy Plavich and his wife Teresa, brother Eric Plavich and sister Darcie Plavich and sister Mary Ellen McCanless and her husband Kevin. Nephews Michael (Kari) Plavich, Brendan (Amanda) Plavich and Adam (Amanda) Plavich, and Austin McCanless. Brother-in-law William Young and sister-in-law Barbara Boucher of Nashville, Tennessee.

His family will receive friends on Thursday, October 10th from 4pm to 8pm at Love Funeral Home.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Love Funeral Home of Dalton, Georgia.

In lieu of flowers please donate in his name to the AIM Center where Connie worked, and Tony spent many years helping Connie and individuals at the center. AIM Center, 472 West M.L.K. Blvd Chattanooga, TN 37402.