Coach Lawrence Simpson Baskin, age 84, a resident of Rockwood, TN passed away Friday, December 26, 2008 at his home. He was born April 10, 1924 in Memphis, TN. Mr. Baskin was a U.S. Marine Corp veteran and was wounded in combat. Coach Baskin started teaching and coaching in Rockwood in 1954 and continued to do so for over 40 years. At the beginning of his career, he was coaching football with Coach Tom Pemberton at Rockwood High School and saw a need to start a Rockwood Middle School Football program, which continues today. He still holds the Tennessee state record for number of wins. Coach Baskin also coached girls’ basketball and golf at Rockwood High School and taught Math at Rockwood Junior High School. He was preceded in death by his wife, Jerry Baskin; mother, Thelma Baskin; and step-daughter, Dee Smith.
Survivors include:
Step-sons: Brad Smith & wife, Carol of Rockwood, TN
Rod Smith & wife, Kathleen of Lancaster, CA
Grandchildren: Miranda Smith of Knoxville, TN
Carrie Miller of Nashville, TN
Hannah Smith
Sharon Smith
Michael Smith
Stephen Smith, all of Lancaster, CA
Brothers: George Baskin & wife, Diane of Gainesville, GA
James Baskin of Memphis, TN
Funeral services will be held Sunday, December 28, 2008 at 8:00 p.m. from the Chapel of Evans Mortuary with Rev. Keith Knight officiating. Graveside services and interment will be held Monday, December 29, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. in the Oak Grove Cemetery in Rockwood with full military honors by the Roane County Military Memorial Honor Guard. The family will receive friends Sunday, December 28 from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the Evans Mortuary. Memorial contributions may be made to the Rockwood Middle School Football Program.
Guestbook Entries
Cindy Worley--- I had him for home room in the 8th grade! (1978) He treated everyone the same!
So sorry to the family for the loss!
Much sympathy nad prayers!
Cindy Worley Pogue (Rockwood, TN)
Michael & Dusty Hinds (Rockwood, TN)
Richard "Floyd" Hayes (Central City, CO)
You will always be remembered and missed.
Tonya Strickland (Killeen, TX)
Brad, Sorry I did not know until I read it in the paper. My prayers are with you and your family.
Mike Albertson (Rockwood, TN)
What a corner stone for building and shaping young lives. Although I wasn’t one of his better students, he still treated everyone the same. I would have to say that he was one of those special people that if you met him you would not soon forget him. Here we are almost 40 years latter talking about a man I spend maybe an hour with each day for less than a year. No one can tell me he didn’t influence my life. Mr. Baskin, this old world could use a few more like you. Go in peace and rest easy, for you surely left your mark on not only the world but on many a people’s hearts and minds
Melbie "Ross" Shelton (Daytona Beach, FL)
Coach Baskin was my PE teacher in Jr High. He was tough, but fair and kind. I can still "hear" him call the cadence as we did side straddle hops, push-ups, etc: " One, two, three, one; one two, three, two..." We knew relief was in sight when he raised his voice "ONE, TWO, THREE, STOP." He started many of his students on the road to good health and physical fitness. That was many years ago. In later years I ran the track at Roane County Park several times a week, and would often see Coach Baskin walking the track and feeding the ducks. Amazingly enough, he remembered me after all the years. Sometimes I would stop momentarily to chat, most of the time I just waved. I remember once he yelled to someone nearby " See that young man?" He used to be in my class, but he wasn't nearly that big!" Rest in peace, Coach. You left a great legacy.
Charles Bane (Rockwood, TN)
Coach Baskin was my 8th grade math teacher and my high school basketball coach--we had a great deal of respect for him as he worked "hard" at molding us into young adults. He certainly impacted my life and I tried to model some of his traits during my coaching years. He will be remembered! What wonderful care was given to him by Brad & his wife!
Judy Treadway Howard (Johnson City, TN)
Coach Baskin was a influence in a lot of lives especially girls who wanted to play basketball. I was on the basketball squad in what we called junior high back then. Of course I didn't make the team as I wasn't even five feet back then. Whether you made the team or not, he treated you the same (made you work just as hard at 7:00 in the morning!) Of course it wasn't appreciated as much then, as it is now in our later years, but the man was fair and had a work ethic that he bestowed on all of us. He was a great coach and a great man.
Pat (Hughes) Kerschieter (Knoxville, TN)
Coach Baskin was a mentor to all who were fortunate to play under his guidance and leadership. Many of life's lessons are learned from observing how others live their lives, Coach Baskin was one of those examples that impacted my life. May God provide the comfort and peace to each family member knowing he is with our Lord and Savior in Heaven.
Walter Evans (Kingston, TN)
He influenced our lives and many others with his coaching and teaching.
David and Michele Coates Simcox (Crossville, TN)
Semper Fidelis, Sir. Rest in peace, Marine.
David Sliger (Shelbyville, TN), USMC, 1957, Rockwood High, class of 1954
Those of us who grew up in Rockwood grew up in a better place because Lawrence Baskin was a part of our education. He was an example and mentor for all. Mr Baskin was my favorite teacher and probably never knew the impact he had on our lives.
Martha Cato Yokley (Nashville, TN)
Mr.Baskin was my homeroom teacher and math teacher in Jr.High. He was always one of my favorite teachers and I have carried him along with me throughout the years with his little saying..."Hey Bud". Such a great man to share himself with all of us. I will be praying for his family to find comfort in knowing he is still with loved ones and coaching on Higher Grounds!
Kim Hickey Coffey (Punta Gorda, FL)
Coach Baskin was a great influnece on my life. A great teacher of life. I will never forget the time he took me on my 1st airplane ride back in 1961 and all the time at basketball and football practices and games we shared. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.
Wayne "HAWK" Evans (Brandon, FL)
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