Charles Greenhill

Charles Greenhill
College University of Memphis
Conference NCAA Division I-A Independent
Sport Football
Position Defensive Back
Jersey # 8
Height 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)
Weight 210 lb (95 kg)
Nationality American
Born (1964-12-31)December 31, 1964
Memphis, Tennessee
Died December 12, 1983(1983-12-12) (aged 18)
Lawrenceburg, Tennessee
High school Frayser High School

Charles Greenhill (December 31, 1964 – December 12, 1983)[1] was an American football player at Memphis State University. He along with his head coach Rex Dockery, offensive coordinator Chris Faros and school booster Glenn Jones were killed in a plane crash in Lawrenceburg, Tennessee shortly after the completion of Greenhill's freshman season.[2]

Early life

Greenhill was born on December 31, 1964 in Memphis, Tennessee.[1] Regarded as one of Memphis' top football prospects, he starred as a wide receiver and defensive back at Frayser High School in Memphis, earning scholarship offers from major Southeastern Conference schools like Alabama, LSU and Tennessee.[3] However, he ultimately decided to sign with his hometown Memphis State Tigers and head coach Rex Dockery to play defensive back.[4] During his freshman year at Memphis State, Greenhill recorded one interception and returned a punt for a touchdown.[5]

Death

On December 12, 1983; Greenhill, along with Rex Dockery, offensive coordinator Chris Faros and school booster Glenn Jones, boarded a plane from Memphis bound for Lawrenceburg, Tennessee, where Dockery was to speak at the city's quarterback club.[6] About ten miles away from their destination, the plane encountered thick fog and rain and crashed, killing all aboard.[6]

Memorials

Greenhill's #8 jersey was the first to be retired by Memphis State.[4][7] In December 1983, the playing surface at the Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium was named Rex Dockery Field, and was rededicated on October 30, 2013 with commemorative plaques honoring all who perished in the plane crash.[8][9][10] The Charles Greenhill Prep Player of the Year Award, given annually to the top high school football player in the state of Tennessee, is named in his honor.[11]

References

  1. 1 2 "29 years ago today - December 12, 1983 - Printable Version". csnbbs.com.
  2. ↑ "The Memphis State football family paid its last respects..."
  3. ↑ "Charles Greenhill, Greatest Tiger Player Ever?".
  4. 1 2 Murtaugh, Frank. "FROM MY SEAT: Empty Honors". Memphis Flyer.
  5. ↑ "Charles Greenhill College Stats - College Football at Sports-Reference.com". College Football at Sports-Reference.com.
  6. 1 2 AP. "COACH KILLED IN CRASH".
  7. ↑ Murtaugh, Frank. "Three Thoughts on Tiger Football".
  8. ↑ "TigerSportsReport.com - The Late Rex Dockery to be Honored". 24 October 2013.
  9. ↑ "The Late Rex Dockery to be Honored with Liberty Bowl Field Rededication". University of Memphis. Retrieved November 7, 2017.
  10. ↑ Carmichael, Corey. "Rex Dockery Field rededicated in remembrance". dailyhelmsman.com. Retrieved November 7, 2017.
  11. ↑ CoachT.com. "Lawrenceburg QB Club Banquet Dec 15th". CoachT.com.
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