Kip Lawrence McPeak

On 30 November 2020, Kip Lawrence McPeak better known as “Coach” or “Legend”, 75, of Bluefield left this earth after a long fought battle with pulmonary fibrosis at his home surrounded by family.  Kip was born 14 November 1945 at the coal camps Stephens Clinic in Superior, WV to the late Clifford Walter McPeak and Alice Pearl Seets McPeak. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by brother Tim Ryan McPeak and daughter Nikki Annetta McPeak.

 Left to carry on his legacy are his wife of 53 years and love of his life Annetta Fuda McPeak of Bluefield, Daughter Beth Andrea McPeak and husband Richard Jones of Sanford, NC, Grandson Bryce Lawrence Jones and wife Mariah Collins of Seaside, CA and Grandaughter Myka Andrea McPeak Jones of Sanford, NC, Sister Cathy Poe and husband Roger of Bluewell, WV, brother Curtis Seets and wife Sharon of Princeton, WV,  Brother-in-laws Larry Fuda and wife Margret of Rocky Mount, Va, Lynn Fuda and wife Anna Maria, Richard Fuda and wife Deborah all of Princeton, WV., Sister-in-law Jenny Householder and husband Randy of Hagerstown, MD, Nephews, Joey Poe, Eric Poe, Ryan McPeak, Michael Fuda, Joshua Farmer, Justin Fuda, Sean Fuda, and Shannon Fuda.  Nieces Angela Fuda, Jessica Fuda, Allie Fuda and many great nieces, nephews, and cousins. Special to his heart Stephanie Williams, Angel Tosti, Andrea Mitchell and a legion of former athletes that remained close to him.

Kip was a 1963 graduate of Bluefield High School and remained an avid supporter of all the Beavers athletic programs and marching band. He rarely missed a Beaver football game.

He went on to serve his country honorably in the West Virginia National Guard from September 6, 1966 to August 16, 1971 where he was a part of a special competitive marksmanship team.

For almost 30 years Kip was employed by Sears and Roebuck Co. Starting out as an installer, he was a licensed electrician, plumber and carpenter. He then advanced to become the Parts and Service Manager. Upon retiring from Sears he opened a small screen printing business out of his garage that grew quickly to become “the Athletes Closet”.

His influence on the youth of Southern West Virginia/Southwest Virginia began with the Mercer County Youth Soccer League, coaching his daughter Nikki's team.  He continued to coach and have a positive impact on young people in the area for over thirty years coaching soccer, t-ball, and his passion: girls’ basketball.  Kip was a long-time girls basketball coach for the Bluefield Recreation Center and in 1988 founded the Elite Girls Basketball Club.  Kip never turned away or discouraged any young lady who wanted to play at a higher level.  He often paid for uniforms, tournaments, and food from his own pocket. He went on to become the assistant girls’ basketball coach at Bluefield High School for six years.  His influence helped guide the Lady Beavers to several sectional titles and three state playoff berths.

 You could never find another coach as patient and level headed as Kip.  He was a firm believer in positive coaching and that his players should be humbled winners and gracious losers.  “Coach” saw basketball as a way to teach life lessons of hard work, commitment, teamwork, gratitude, and humanity. 

Kip never met a stranger, and his influence and legacy will live on in the lives of all the young people he mentored, as well as all those he encountered on his journeys. He will be loved and missed by all.

The family would like to thank the Inova Fairfax ALD and Dr. Ahmad, Dr. Pam Faulkner, Dr. Figuroa, and Dr. Javed for the care of our loved one.

Funeral service will be conducted 1:30 PM Thursday, December 3, 2020 at Cravens-Shires Funeral Home with Rev. Ron Johnson officiating.  Special speakers will include Rev. Sean Bragg and Rev. Rick Mathena..  Interment will follow at Woodlawn Memorial Gardens with friends and family serving as pallbearers. The family will receive friends from 11:30 am until the time of service.  Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.cravens-shires.com. Cravens-Shires Funeral Home in Bluewell is serving the McPeak family.