1995 HALL OF FAME INDUCTEE | WILLIAM N. SHOWALTER JR.
The late William N. Showalter, Jr. of Century, Florida, will be inducted into the Milligan College Athletics Hall of Fame on October 28. The hall of fame was established several years ago to honor outstanding athletes, coaches and other significant participants in the athletics program of Milligan College.
Showalter was voted best all-around, most popular and most athletic his senior year of high school in Radford, Virginia. At Milligan, Showalter was named to the Little All-American Football Team and Who's Who in American Colleges and Universities. His college education was interrupted by World War II where he served in the 1st Infantry division of the U.S. Army with over three continuous years overseas. He took part in the D-Day invasion of Algiers, North Africa, Sicily and Omaha Beach landing, where he received the Bronze Star for valor and bravery under fire.
After receiving his Bachelor of Science degree from Milligan in 1948, Showalter took his first teaching and coaching position in Escambia County, Florida. In 1951, Showalter began work on his master's degree at George Peabody College in Nashville, Tennessee. He was soon named principal of Century High School in North Escambia County, Florida, where his family became actively involved in the community and school system. Showalter was a member of the United Methodist Church, the Century Lion's Club, and worked closely with the Little League and Babe Ruth Baseball organizations. He remained principal of Century High School for 11 years and was most noted for his leadership and training of students in discipline. He was later transferred to Carver Middle School and served as its first principal for 11 years until his retirement in 1980.
Bill Showalter died during heart surgery in 1991. His widow, Lina, resides at their home in Century where she remains active in working for educational improvements for her community. She and Bill had four children who are all active members of their communities.