Otis William “Bill” Shimek, 82, of Bald Knob, Arkansas departed this life on Sunday, December 1, 2024 at Pleasant Valley Rehabilitation and Nursing center in Little Rock, Arkansas.He was born September 17, 1942 in Bald Knob, Arkansas to the late E.T. and Bertie Shimek.“Coach” Bill Shimek attended Bald Knob High School where he excelled in all sports; football, basketball, baseball and track. He received Arkansas All-State honors in football and basketball. After graduation Bill attended Arkansas State Teacher College (now University of Central Arkansas), where he again excelled in all four sports earning All-American honors in football, basketball, and baseball.After graduating college and earning his master’s degree in education, Bill became the head football coach at Forrest City in 1966. He was head coach there until 1971 when he was offered the running back coach and head recruiter by Barry Switzer and Oklahoma.Bill held these positions at Oklahoma from 1972 until 1982. He left Oklahoma for the same position at Oklahoma State under head coach, Jimmy Johnson. Bill stayed at Oklahoma State until 1981. He finished his coaching career at Northeast Louisiana University (now Louisiana Monroe).Coach Bill Shimek recruited many of the greatest college running backs in college football history; Barry Sanders, Thurman Thomas, Billy Sims, and Marcus Dupree just to name a few.In retirement Bill enjoyed playing golf at Hurricane Creek Golf Course with his many friends. He also enjoyed time with family and cherished his time with his special friend, Van Compton.He is survived by his son, Kyle Shimek of Little Rock, Arkansas, a grandson, Drew (Laura Cain) Shimek of Fayetteville Arkansas and a granddaughter, Annie Kate Shimek of Dallas, Texas.
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