WILLIAM STELL

William Ardis ‘Dickie’ Stell was born July 5, 1934, in Ennis, TX.  He was the eleventh child of twelve children born to the union of William Taylor Stell and Nellie Bell Gowan – Stell. William accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at Bethlehem Baptist Church in Ennis, TX.  He later joined Mt. Tabor Baptist Church, Dallas, TX, and remained faithful until the Lord called him home.

His parents took education seriously.  After graduating from George Washington Carver High School in 1954, he attended Prairie View A&M College on a full athletic scholarship where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and Physical Education in 1958.  Known on campus by his childhood nickname ‘Dickie’, he was a well-known running back and track and field star for the Panthers.   He was named to the All-Conference team for the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) in 1955, 1956, and 1957.  He lettered in football and track three consecutive years from 1955 to 1957.  He was a member of the 1954 National Football Championship team and voted the Most Outstanding Freshman Football Player the same year.  ‘Dickie’ made all conference in track and field in 1954, 1955, and 1957.

William began his career in the Ennis Independent School District (EISD) teaching and coaching at the high school he graduated from.  He wanted to return to Ennis because, as he fondly said, he believed he could make them winners. In 1964, they were the runner-up in the PVIL. After leaving the EISD, his coaching path led him to A. J. Moore High School in Waco, TX, but played a huge role at his next career stop in the Forney Independent School District (FISD).  While coaching at Forney High School, he organized the track team and led his athletes to a division championship after being there only two years.

Next up, was destination Dallas!

In 1970, at the height of integration, this teacher/coach was among the first African American educators at Hillcrest High School.  William was who he was everywhere he went – opinionated and energetic.  He got the chance to radiate those characteristics standing in front of students teaching them, what was known as Black Studies.  He was not only well respected by the school’s administration, but he was needed and called upon by the principal to restore order after the African American students staged a walkout in protest of being ill-treated.

After leaving Hillcrest, he was assigned to James Madison High school and became the football team’s Offensive Coordinator and escorted the team into several playoff games.

The final down of football and the last hurdle jumped on the track field was at Lincoln High School.  William ‘Dickie’ Stell was named the Athletic Director and Head Football Coach taking over a football program that had not won a varsity football game in 7 years.  Under his leadership, the Tigers football teamed played in the Class 4-A Playoffs  and District Championship and the track team won the University Interscholastic League (UIL) state meet in their division.

In 1990, after thirty-five years, Coach William ‘Dickie’ Stell exited the life of teaching and coaching, entered retirement, and became an avid golfer.

It was impossible to talk more than and as loud as William.  He was always proud to share his career and athletic success stories.  And he had every right to boast.  Among his achievements were being inducted into the Texas Black Sports Hall of Fame, Prairie View A&M University Sports Hall of Fame, and the Prairie View Interscholastic League Coaches Association.

After leaving college, William met and married Florence Shankle, and to this union, two children were born – Victor and Renita.

On October 4, 1969, William was united in matrimony to Rebecca Ingram, and to this union, they had one son, St. Nicholas.

William is preceded in death by his parents and eleven siblings.

He leaves to cherish his legacy, his loving wife of 52 years, Rebecca Ingram-Stell, two sons, Victor Stell (Marilyn) and St. Nicholas Stell; two daughters, Renita Stell-Sharp (Alvin) and Ennette Bell; five grandchildren, Seth, Micah, Renisha Payne (Gregory), Kaylyn and Porsha; seven great-grandchildren Destiny, DeAngelo, Erick, Portia, Kayleb, Kennedy, and Jace; sisters-in-law, Virty Williams – Ellison (Herman) and Joan Ingram; brothers-in-law, Dr. Jesse Ingram (Janice) and Clyde Orr. His best friends, Arthur Gillum (Alice) and Billy Johnson. A host of beloved nieces, nephews, and friends.