BHS Head Coach Ken Stickley Death Leaves a Lasting Impact on the Blacksburg Community!

Will be missed!

October 13, 2026

This article was last updated by Alisha Shrestha on October 13, 2026

Former and late Blacksburg Indians Head Coach Ken Stickley passed away, leaving the community and his family in grief.

Although no official obituary or death notice has been released, numerous community posts and his sundent have memorialized him with gratitude and respect.

Blacksburg High School Former Coach Ken Stickley Dies, Leaving a Lasting Legacy

While not much personal information about Coach Ken Stickley has been released in the media, his death on October 12 was shared by a few of his students via their Facebook posts.

Ken is survived by his wife, Margaret, who appears to be the sole owner of their home at 3339 Darby Road, Keswick, VA 22947.

During the early 1960s, Stickley served as head coach of the Blacksburg High School “Indians” football team.

Under his direction, the program earned recognition, and local alumni frequently credit him with securing 2 New River District championships during his tenure.

Later, after his coaching career, Ken served as the principal of Christiansburg Primary School.

Not just a football coach, Ken was also a teacher who taught multiple subjects, including history.

While Ken led a private life and did not often appear in high-profile media, he was a local hero.

New River District throwback : 1962 Blacksburg Indians Coached by my principal at Christiansburg Primary School Ken Stickley. QB Buddy Martin became a Basketball coaching legend at Radford and Fred Zirkle played 4 years at Duke and was drafted by the NY Jets in 1969

— David Mabry (@david_mabry)

Those who knew Ken are always grateful for the lessons they learned from him. After his passing, many expressed their condolences. One admirer commented on Facebook:

Sad to hear. I had him for history. Good man.

Similarly, another former student shared:

Mr. Stickley was one of our Principal’s in Christiansburg. Prayers for his family during this sad time. 

Although official obituary outlets have not yet captured Ken’s death, his memory is cherished by his admirers and his surviving wife.

Rest in Peace, Coach!

• Check other Articles on

Nishan Dahal writes sports with a human touch, covering breaking news, athlete lives, and the stories that stats can't tell. Nishan believes every athlete has a story worth telling. With the goal of bringing those stories to life with honesty, heart, and a touch of curiosity, he shares his insights through PlayerBio.

Related articles

May 4, 2026

May 1, 2026

April 21, 2026

April 15, 2026

Comments

LEAVE A REPLY

Comment: Please enter your comment! Name:* Please enter your name here Email:* You have entered an incorrect email address! Please enter your email address here

Δ

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam.

Share article

- May 15, 2026 Jerry Lee Singleton, a 1974 graduate of DeKalb High School, where he was a standout athlete, has passed away at 70. Singleton was born on...

- May 15, 2026 Residents living along Blackwell Road in Huthwaite are calling for urgent action after a group of children was repeatedly caught kicking front doors and...

- May 14, 2026 Howard Paul Sr., a graduate of Black River High School, tragically passed away. Paul was born on September 15, 1951, to his father, Arthur, and...

- May 14, 2026 A disturbing act of violence at Steven's Park in Allentown has left residents shaken and demanding answers after a witness took to social media...

- May 13, 2026 Residents of Biggleswade, Bedfordshire, are raising serious concerns after a series of violent incidents involving a group of young boys who have been targeting...