‘He finished his fight with cancer.’ Buddy Nobles, Irwin County football coach, dies.

The Irwin County Indians head football coach Buddy Nobles has died after a battle with cancer, according to a post made on the team’s Facebook page.

“Our Coach, Buddy Nobles, has passed from this life and is now in the presence of our Lord,” the post from Irwin County School Superintendent Dr. Thad Clayton said. “He finished his fight with cancer peacefully in the night surrounded by his family.”

Nobles took over as the head coach of the Indians in 2014. He compiled a 67-13 record and took them to four state title appearances losing in 2014, 2015, 2017 and 2018.

Before the start of the 2019 season, Nobles was diagnosed with stomach cancer. He was sidelined for much of the season due to treatments.

Casey Soliday served as the interim head coach. Once again, the Indians made it to the state title game again with a 12-0 record heading into the game.

Nobles returned to help coach in the state title game and sat at a small table on the sideline. The Indians won long-awaited title by beating Marion County 56-14.

“Irwin County Schools has lost a true man of God who will have an everlasting impact on many students, players, coaches and colleagues,” Clayton said.

Funeral arrangements will be announced at a later date.

This story was originally published January 23, 2020 at 10:37 AM.