Former Grayson County, Virginia and Ashe County Head Football Coach Passes at 74

Grayson County and Virginia High School Football lost a great leader this past Wednesday, as legendary coach William “Bill” Lee Strong passed away at his home at the age of 74. Coach Strong served as a great mentor to dozens if not hundreds of the players he coached. Coach Strong came to then-Independence High School in 1978, quickly turning the program around. The Blue Devils went 10-0 in 1983 winning the Mountain Empire District Title shutting out arch rival Galax 35-0. In 1988 Coach Strong coached at Grayson County High School winning another district title. The Blue Devils were in the mix for more district titles most years while he was at the helm. When he retired, the stadium was named after him. Coach Strong wasn’t done…he became Ashe County High School’s head football coach in 2006-2011. His teams at Ashe were 41-32 overall, 29-13 in MVC games & 1-7 in postseason.