Former Warner Robins, Northside coach Gann Sr. laid to rest
Photo: Georgia Transplant Foundation
Stan Gann Sr. was clearly prepared for anything during his coaching days.
If you coach at Warner Robins for 17 years and move over to Northside as head football coach, you’re prepared for anything.
Longtime backers of both programs as well as Georgia Tech mourned Gann’s death on Friday. He was laid to rest in a private service at Westview Mausoleum in Atlanta, and a public service (video) was held Wednesday at Southside Baptist Church in Warner Robins.
Football legend Bill Curry, a teammate of Gann’s at Georgia Tech, spoke, as did Dr. Joe Sumrall Jr., whose father was another major member of the Warner Robins/Northside football family. Sumrall Sr. hired Gann as Warner Robins, and he was part of Robert Davis’ staff before moving a few miles away.
He is survived by Sissi, his wife of 56 years, and son Stan Jr., one of Central Georgia’s most prolific golfers, and others.
Gann went 55-37 in eight seasons at Northside, from 1986-93. The Eagles reached the quarterfinals in 1992. He was succeed by Conrad Nix.
Heart issues forced Gann to retire, two years after his first heart attack, at age 53. Sumrall Jr., was among those who treated him over the years. He was the recipient of a heart transplant in 2010.
He graduated from Northside High in Atlanta, earning All-State honors from a variety of outlets. He decided on Georgia Tech, where he also played baseball. The Ganns moved to Warner Robins in 1970 when he was hired as the Demons’ offensive coordinator.