GREENWOOD
Carol S. Tumey, 82, of Greenwood, passed away with the love of her life, Dale, by her side on Tuesday, October 1, 2024. She was born on December 30, 1941 in Crawford County, Indiana to the late Homer and Grace Summers.
She was a graduate of Levenworth High School. While attending Franklin College, her roommate introduced her to the love of her life. Dale and Carol were married in the summer after she earned her bachelor’s degree in health and physical education. Later that summer, she accepted a teaching job at Center Grove Schools. Later she earned her master’s degree from Indiana University.
Carol was employed by Center Grove High School as the Physical Education Chair, Intramural Director, and Assistant Athletic Director. During this time, she developed the first girls’ sports program, becoming the first girls’ basketball and volleyball coach. She also coached cross country and track and field.
After 40 years, Carol retired but she wasn’t done impacting young lives. She served three terms on the Center Grove Board of Trustees. At the same time, she went to work for the Franklin College Education Department as an adjunct professor. In this role, she oversaw and provided guidance to student teachers.
Over the years, Carol has earned numerous awards including the St. Vincent Health Silver Medal, National High School Coach of the Year for Track, National High School Coaching Gold Award, The Sagamore of the Wabash Award, Indiana Athletic Administrator of the Year and has been inducted into the Franklin College Hall of Fame, Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame and the Indiana Track and Field Hall of Fame. The Center Grove High School Track was named in her honor on August 27, 2021. In December 2022, the Center Grove High School Girls’ Basketball Tournament was renamed the Carol Tumey Holiday Tourney.
Her impact as a coach and mentor was felt far beyond the scoreboard. She taught the values of hard work, resilience, and teamwork, instilling these qualities in every athlete she encountered. She was not just a coach, but a role model, a leader, and a friend to many.
Carol was a member of Mount Auburn Methodist Church. She enjoyed traveling with Dale, spending time with family and friends. She loved cooking and hosting dinners.
She is survived by her husband of 61 years, Dale Tumey; her sister, Rita Weakley; several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her sister, Letha Corbin.
Visitation will be on Friday, October 4, 2024 from 4:00-8:00pm at Mt. Auburn Church, 3100 W. Stones Crossing Road, Greenwood, IN. Funeral service will be on Saturday, October 5, 2024 at 10:00am with additional visitation from 9:00am until service time.
Carol will be laid to rest at The Gardens at Olive Branch.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Center Grove Education Foundation (centergrovefoundation.org), Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame (hoopshall.com), or Indiana Track and Field Hall of Fame (indianatrackcchof.com).
Please share memories, photographs and online condolences with the family at www.ghherrmann.com.
