William Sizemore Jr.

William (Bill) Keith Sizemore Jr., age 72 was called to his eternal rest on Saturday December 24, 2022. He joyfully arrived on April 24, 1950 to proud parents William and Dorothy Gravely Sizemore the eldest of three children. Growing up in Steubenville, OH, he was affectionately known as “Keith” to family and friends, and later as “Size” to students and colleagues. Aside from loving his family Keith’s passions included gardening, fishing, OSU football and the Cleveland Browns. He was a proud member Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Incorporated with whom he played for the Sunshine Softball team. He and his family joined Faith Ministries Church where he served on the Men’s Faith Group, Men’s Prayer Line, Food Ministry, Men of Faith Choir and the G-men Ministry. He also loved delivering Meals on Wheels while employed at Life Care Alliance.

At an early age, Keith accepted Christ and was baptized and joined Second Baptist Church where he sang in the Jubilee Choir. He was proud alumni of Steubenville Big Red High School where he ran track and played JV football. Following high school, Keith attended Kent State University and later obtained a Bachelor of Science in Education from The University of Akron. He was then drafted into the US Army where he was trained as a Physical Therapy Technician. His stations of duty included Fort Knox, Tennessee; Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio Texas; and Bassett Army Hospital in Fairbanks, Alaska. Upon completion of his duties, he received an honorable discharge.

Keith began his teaching career in Columbus Public Schools at Central High School where also he served as Assistant Football coach. This is where his love, dedication and mentorship of his students began, however Walnut Ridge High School was where it truly flourished. There he taught government and US history, life skills, and coached hundreds of students and athletes for the next 35 years. Additionally, at Walnut Ridge, Coach “Size” was the first Black head Track & Field coach in the school’s history.

Keith was blessed to marry the love of his life, his high school sweetheart and soulmate Angelene K. McKenzie in 1970. In addition to decades of friendship, travel, and faith, this 52-year union was blessed with four children: Mrs. Shounda K. Allmond, Denise K. Sizemore, William K. Sizemore and April K. Sizemore; and four grandchildren: Akilah Bayless-Sizemore, Michael Allmond Jr, Ashera Bayless-Sizemore, and Lauryn Allmond.

Keith is preceded in death by his parents William and Dorothy Sizemore, brothers-in- law, Geoffrey Neal McKenzie, Stanley K. McKenzie Sr; two sisters-in-law, Mrs. L. Ruth McKenzie and Renee Y. McKenzie. In addition to his beloved wife, children, and grandchildren, cherishing his memory are son-in-law Michael Allmond Sr and Godson Terrence Nelson. As are a sister Mrs. Joyce (Cookie) and husband Dr. Timothy James, a brother Jon and his wife Cheryl Sizemore; brothers-in- law Malroy McKenzie and Willie J. McKenzie. Jr.; sisters-in-law Mrs. Brenda McKenzie and Valentina McKenzie. A host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, students and athletes will forever continue his legacy.