Bill Stancil was born in Harrisburg, Arkansas on December 30, 1924. He and his family later moved to Parkin, Arkansas, where he graduated from high school in 1942. He served in World War II as a member of the Navy. He attended Arkansas Tech University from 1946 to 1947 and was a two-year letterman on the Wonder Boys football team. Stancil transferred to the University of Arkansas in 1948 and played football for the Razorbacks for two years. He earned his BSE degree from Arkansas in 1950 and in 1951 finished his Masters degree. He married the former Maxine Hill and together they had three children: Staci, Sandy and Bill, Jr., Bill and Maxine also have six grandchildren.


Stancil began his coaching career at Blytheville High School, serving as an assistant football coach from 1950 to 1956. He also served as the school's head basketball coach in 1954. In 1957 he accepted the position as head coach and athletic director at Northside High School in Fort Smith. He remained in that position until 1969. During his tenure there he garnered 111 wins and only 27 losses and 4 ties. His teams enjoyed three undefeated seasons and four state championships. In 1970, Coach Stancil vacated his position as head coach to become the district athletic director for the Fort Smith Public Schools. He remained in that capacity until his untimely death in 1991.

Coach Stancil's dedication to athletics and education inspired him to join many professional organizations. These included the Arkansas High School Coaches Association, the Arkansas High School Athletic Administrators Association and the National High School Athletic Administrators Association.

Stancil was the recipient of numerous city, state and national awards. Among these were: twice the Arkansas High School Coach of the Year, twice Outstanding Arkansas Athletic Director of the Year, and the Southern Regional Athletic Director of the Year. In 1997, the Arkansas Activities Association named Stancil to the Coaches/Officials Hall of Fame. He also was inducted into the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame in 1998.

In addition to his athletic awards, Stancil received many community and service awards. Among there were the Sertoma Club Service to Mankind Award, the Boys Scouts of America Distinguished Service Award, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes Special Recognition Award, and the Arkansas Tech University Service Award.

In the years following his active coaching career, Stancil served his community, his church and his state in many capacities. In addition to serving on numerous boards and councils, Stancil was elected to the Arkansas House of Representatives. During his tenure, he was instrumental in passing legislation favorable to education.

Stancil was truly a leader of men, both young and adult. He worked tirelessly as a role model, exemplifying that hard work, perseverance, and integrity are the measures of a great athlete, a great coach, and indeed, a great citizen.