By definition, “legacy” is usually thought of as a memory after a person’s life is over. For William C. “Coach” Boone, however, the word “legacy” was part of his dream that began very early in life at the age of twelve-years old when he accepted Christ. Boone, along with others in a group of underprivileged youth, was given the opportunity to attend a week at a Christian camp.
Through the generosity of Christians in his community and the Power of the Holy Spirit, young Boone found Jesus as his Lord and Savior while attending the camp and vowed then to spend his life telling as many people as he could about salvation. He also immediately recognized his dream to provide the same Christian camp opportunity for other boys and girls.
Coach Boone talked all his life about his dream of having a “place where boys and girls could be close to nature, close to God, and feel the presence of the Holy Spirit ” just as he had.
Coach Boone died February 2015 without fulfilling his dream of building his Christian campsite for those boys and girls that he so wanted to share Christ with. But, his legacy has now come to fruition because of the generosity of others once again.
In his honor, former players, students, fellow teachers, coaches, and administrators, and friends through their donations have opened The Boone Cabin at Waukaway Springs Christian Retreat Center in Vossburg, Mississippi.
The Boone Cabin can house 40 individuals with six family units, including two handicap accessible units. The cabin includes full kitchens and laundry for each unit. Boone, along with Gene Garrick, was one of the original organizers of the Men’s Christian Retreat held each spring at Waukaway. The Men’s Christian Retreat has been an annual worship experience for hundreds of men including NBA stars, CEO’s, astronauts, movie-stars, senators, and Christian Mississippi men finding a common ground of their love for Jesus. Those who attended with Boone know that every year he would point to a picturesque area of Waukaway and say, “There needs to be a cabin right there.” Now, the Boone Cabin sits in the middle of that glorious site and is available along with numerous others for youth and adults alike to come and enjoy. Waukaway Springs is available as a camp for youth or children, a family retreat, women’s retreat, men’s retreat, or even a couples’ retreat. You will find the facilities to be inviting, the food incredible, and the environment inspiring. There are plenty of fun activities that can be enjoyed by all ages. From the two team building challenges in the woods, to the full-sized gym, to the cool clear lake in the summer, your retreat is sure to be one that will be remembered for years to come. The William C. Boone family would like to thank those who contributed to Coach’s dream and built Boone’s Cabin. Your tremendous generosity and love is overwhelming and continues to honor the memory of Coach Boone, and most importantly serve his Savior, Jesus Christ. Thank you for the legacy.
