Coach Z. Dedicated Passionate Diligent

Dale Glenn Zimmerman Sr. (Coach Z.) was born May 6, 1954 to Ole Marie Zimmerman and Richard Wilson. He was baptized at a young age at Logtown Baptist Church in Monroe LA. Coach Z went home to be with the Lord Sunday January 17, 2021. He completed his elementary and middle school years at Swayze Elementary School. Coach Z. went on to Richwood High School, where he starred as a quarterback and excelled in track and field. While at Richwood, he and his best friend Sammie White became one of the most prolific quarterback/wide receiver combinations in the state of Louisiana. While at Richwood, Coach Z. had the privilege of being mentored by great leaders: Ray Oliver Wright, Eugene Hughes, Harvey Simmons, Freddy "Bear" McHenry and Joe Dixon. After finishing high school, they both received football scholarships to play for the legendary Coach Eddie Robinson at Grambling State University. While playing at Grambling, Coach served as the backup to Doug Williams. His most famous moment while playing at Grambling was when he came in for an injured Williams in the 1975 Bayou Classic and threw two touchdowns to lead Grambling to a 33-17 win over Southern. Before completing his Master's degree in Education, Coach served as a grad assistant on Coach Eddie Robinson's staff where he served and learned under Coach Melvin Lee, Coach Douglass Porter and Coach Fred Collins. Coach Z. began his coaching career in Morehouse Parish at Bastrop High School where he taught History and coached football and track for 2 years. After leaving Bastrop High School, Coach Z. got the opportunity to teach and coach at his alma mater Richwood High School, where he worked under Coach Freddy McHenry. After a few years at Richwood, Coach Z. taught History at Louisiana Training Institute for 3 years. After getting the coaching bug again, Coach Z. received an opportunity to teach and coach at Wossman High School by Mr. Grady Jones, Coach Ray Gambino, and Coach George Belton. From 1985 until 2013, Coach Z. served faithfully and diligently in almost every capacity at Wossman High School. Some of his accomplishments include the following: Assistant coach on the 1986 State Championship Football Team, Assistant coach on 1990 Football State Runner Up Team, Assistant coach on 1992 Football State Runner Up Team, Assistant coach on the 1993 State Championship Basketball Team, Assistant coach on 1994,1995,1996 Top 28 Teams, Head Basketball coach 1999 – 2009, LA 2008 State 3A Basketball Championship, 4 LA Top 28 Basketball Appearances and Wossman Head Football Coach 2009 – 2013. Coach Z. was very passionate about building a strong foundation of hard work and discipline so his players could not only be successful in athletics but most importantly in life. Coach Z. is best known for his canning ability to build confidence and pride in all of his students and student athletes. He loved the Wossman community and he strongly believed that all kids from the Southside can be successful with the right mentoring and opportunities. Coach Z. was famous for making his boys wear ties and taking them to church on Sundays. During the seasons, you could find Coach Z and his team at one of the local churches in the community. Outside of Wossman High school, Coach Z. was able to touch lives through his dedication to mentoring the youth of Monroe. He served as a supervisor for years for the Monroe Youth Summer Job program. Coach Z. also coached his sons and many others in Monroe youth basketball and baseball athletic leagues. He also served as a board member on the Monroe Youth Baseball Association. Coach Z. also ran a lawn service that he used to mentor boys from the neighborhood and give them opportunities to work and make money. Coach Z. has served on the board of directors for almost 20 years at Ouachita Valley Federal Credit Union, where his most crowning accomplishment was helping lead the building of a new Credit Union branch on the Southside of town. Coach Z. was also a loving husband for 43 years to Addie Zimmerman and a father to Dale Jr. And Derrick. His proudest title was grandfather to Dale III, London and Derrick Jr. Graveside services are Saturday January 23, 2021, at 2pm at Richwood Memorial Gardens. Visitation is Saturday January 23, 10-11am at Smith Funeral Home 907 Winnsboro Rd. Monroe LA. Coach Z. inspired and mentored hundreds. He was a strong pillar in the city of Monroe. Coach Z. will be greatly missed, but if you ever met Coach Z, you know he would say that he is ok now and don't waste too many tears on him because you got work to do. He was a deacon at Starlight Baptist Church for over 30 years.