Billy Gene Gaw grew up in Algood, but he married an Overton County girl and chose to live in Livingston to raise his family and pursue his career as a teacher.
His first educational placement in Overton County was as Principal at Hilham Elementary. He also taught class and was the Girls Basketball Coach, during which time his girls were County Champions - a small team of 7 dominated the county under his watch. He always remembered them by name and most nicknames that they went by like Big Foot.
Billy Gene Gaw was the first person hired as a Guidance Counselor at Livingston Academy. Kenneth Stephens called him to apply and transfer to LA. Not only was he counselor but he taught History and could still recall some of his classes in the old high school. He knew all his students' names and where they were from and how they got to school each day. At any given time, he could go find a missing one by just asking the right person. He served LA for many years then took a position at TTU as Admissions Counselor.
He was adamant that Overton County students be given the opportunity to pursue College. He did not cater to just the current high school graduate, he assisted and guided the non-traditional and transfer student his entire career. He can still recall and tell you stories on several of his students. He loved his students and wanted them all to love education and if they wanted higher education, he would fight for them at TTU.
He pushed and pushed for our students to be considered for TTU Athletics and finally was successful. However, some of his students did pursue athletics out of state with scholarships, he followed them via the radio - they probably didn’t know he was listening until he saw them in town and he would talk sports. It didn’t matter who you were or where you were from, he knew you and most likely your parents too. He never met a stranger and always asked what you were doing and if he can help you when he saw you.
He retired from TTU completely in 2005 to be a stay-at-home grandfather.
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