Simpson Pepper

Simpson "Coach" Pepper (born August 10, 1928, died August 7, 2008) was an educator, coach, and public address announcer. He was known as the Voice of Legion Field, having announced games at the historic stadium from1963 until his death.

Pepper coached and taught at Comer High School, Ensley High School, Hueytown High School and McAdory High School. He served as principal of Jones Valley Elementary School after hanging up his coach's hat in 1964. He took over as principal at Jones Valley High School in 1978 and remained there until he retired in 1986. In his retirement he volunteered his time at Central Park Christian School, teaching physical education and helping with the athletics teams, including serving as the public address announcer for the school's basketball games.

In 1970 Pepper became the public address announcer for the Alabama Crimson Tide, and many other events at Legion Field. He continued to announce for Alabama even as the Tide moved its home games to Bryant-Denny Stadium, until he was replaced by Tony Giles in 1997.

Pepper continued to announce at Legion Field for high school football games. He also was the announcer for the first year of play at the new Jackson-Olin High School stadium in 2007, and also announced at various other events from all-star high school baseball games to Birmingham middle school track and field championships. His last known event as an announcer was the Optimist Club East-West High School Baseball Game at Samford University in June 2008.

Pepper was found unresponsive at his home in July 2008, possibly after suffering a heat stroke. He was taken to UAB Hospital where he passed away after being hospitalized for about two weeks.

References

• Sentell, Jeff (August 8, 2008) "Simpson Pepper, 'The Voice of Legion Field,' dies at 79." The Birmingham News.
• Sentell, Jeff (August 7, 2008) "Simpson Pepper Passes at age 79." The Birmingham News.
• Sentell, Jeff (July 22, 2008) "'Voice of Legion Field' Simpson Pepper in grave health." Birmingham News