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Jun 24, 2022Liked by The Addison Times

My father, Lawrence "Boots" Thompson was a coach at Shelbyville for nearly 2.5 decades and was there during Bill Garrett's time. Dad always felt that Doc Barnett didn't get enough credit for the championship team. Doc had served as varsity coach while Barnes was in the service. He came back and Doc had coached that squad and molded them in the years before the '47 championship. Dad taught chemistry and history in addition to coaching, I can remember members of Bill's family stopping by the house to visit with Mom and Dad. Years later, when Dad was failing in health, they continued to visit and check in on them. Dad was honored to be an honorary pall bearer for Bill.

Great family!

The Grahams didn't mention that Bill Garrett, after he retired from coaching at Attucks HS in IPS served as an IHSAA basketball official. I actually worked games with Bill during his officiating career. I always drove but Bill bought the gas. I asked him once if he wanted to drive and he said emphatically, "No". He then said, "I don't see too well at night!". I told him not to mention that to any one else. When Bill officiated, there was never any trouble from the fans and he always received a well-deserved applause. After the games, dozens of people always came to visit with Bill. His popularity never waned because he was so respected from his time at Shelbyville, IU and Attucks HS.

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