After losing the 1948 title game, Charlie Waller led the Decatur High School football team to back-to-back state championships the next two seasons.
He hadn’t even turned 30. And he was already a World War II veteran.
“He was either talking football or talking Navy,” said Peggy Weaver, one of five daughters.
Waller coached high school, college and pro football teams during his extensive career. He died Saturday at the age of 87 in Baker, Fla. He had been suffering from dementia, Weaver said.
After four years of service in the Navy, Waller turned to coaching and never looked back.
In 1949, the Decatur team beat Tifton 21-19 for the Class A state title. Waller was named Coach of the Year in Georgia.
The following year, the Bulldogs moved up to AA, the biggest classification at that time. Decatur beat Lanier of Macon 26-12 before a hometown crowd at Georgia Tech’s Grant Field.
“He treated everyone the same, whether you were a starter or a sub,” said David Redford, a former Decatur quarterback. “He was a tremendous influence on young men.”
From Decatur, Waller went to assistant coaching positions at Auburn University and the University of Texas. Then he landed at Clemson University, where he spent nine seasons under head coach Frank Howard.
Waller’s pro football coaching career began in 1966 as an assistant coach for the San Diego Chargers. He served as the Chargers’ head coach when Sid Gillman became ill.
As a member of George Allen’s Washington Redskins staff, Waller made his Super Bowl debut in 1973 vs. Miami.
“He didn’t win, but he does have a Super Bowl ring,” Weaver said.
Waller retired to Florida 21 years ago, where he enjoyed playing golf and watching football. Three walls of a room in his home were filled with photos from every step of his career.
“In many ways, it seems like yesterday,” Redford said. “He was such an important person in all of our lives.”
A service is planned Wednesday in Niceville, Fla., Weaver said. Waller’s body will be cremated.
In addition to Weaver, Waller is survived by his wife of 55 years, Maxine; four daughters; 12 grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.
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