For decades, Coach Chris Pardue’s life was filled with the sound of footballs under Friday night lights, meetings, and celebrations of team victories. But beside him throughout the highs and lows of his remarkable coaching career was his wife, Sherry Pardue.
Their journey together began long before the championships and the state titles, when they were high school sweethearts in Scottsville, Kentucky.
The bond between Chris and Sherry started during their teenage years, and their love peaked alongside Chris’s burgeoning career in football. Whether it was celebrating a championship win or offering comfort after a hard loss, Sherry was always with him.
“We’ve been together since I was 16,” Sherry once shared, reflecting on the years of shared memories. “I couldn’t have done it without her,” Chris often expressed, though perhaps not always publicly.
Building A Coaching Legacy
As Chris ascended in the ranks of Kentucky football, Sherry embraced the role of partner to not only Chris but also to the players, offering warmth and care to the team and community. From team dinners to game-day support, Sherry helped create an environment of family and unity around Chris’s career.
Chris Pardue’s coaching journey began in 1985 at Allen County-Scottsville High School. From those early days, it was clear that football was not just a game to him.
The coach moved through the ranks, eventually coaching at Boyle County High School. There, he helped lead the team to five state championships from 1999 to 2003.
Boyle County Football extends our deepest condolences to the Pardue family.
— Boyle County Rebels Football (@BCRebelFootball) August 6, 2025
Coach Chris Pardue was a remarkable man and an exceptional leader of young men. He served Boyle County both as an assistant and as a head coach, playing a vital role in the success of our program. During… pic.twitter.com/aeoOTJp2yW
Under his leadership, Boyle County football became more successful, dominating Kentucky high school football with a powerful offense that produced NFL-bound stars like Jacob Tamme. He is also regarded as one of the best offensive coaches by many.
When Chris transitioned to Campbellsville University in 2008 as offensive coordinator, Sherry once again adapted to the change, supporting him as they moved to a new chapter. During his time at Campbellsville, Chris’s offense set numerous records and brought national recognition to the program.
As they moved through different coaching assignments and cities, Sherry remained a constant presence.
Even after stepping down as a head coach in 2019, Chris remained involved in football, returning to Campbellsville University in 2020 as offensive coordinator, continuing to mentor the next generation of athletes.
A Battle Against Skin Cancer
In recent years, the Pardues’ life took an unexpected turn when Chris was diagnosed with skin cancer. It was a battle that Chris fought bravely, but unfortunately, the cancer proved to be the one opponent he couldn’t defeat.
Chris Pardue, the assistant coach who was the offensive mastermind behind six Boyle County championship football teams, has died at age 67.
— Advocate-Messenger Sports (@Advocate_Sports) August 6, 2025
Pardue was the Rebels' offensive coordinator under head coach Chuck Smith from 1992-2007 and 2016-19. pic.twitter.com/sOJ6UQjdYo
Sherry, as always, was there for him through every treatment, every setback, and every moment of struggle.
Chris passed away in August 2025, leaving behind not only a legacy of victories and championships but also a profound impact on the lives of the countless individuals he mentored throughout his career.
His passing left a void in the Kentucky football community, but his legacy lives on through the values he instilled in his family and players.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Chris Pardue has also helped Campbellsville University win a national championship.
- In addition to his football coaching career, Chris spent part of his life as a special education teacher, a role that informed his patient, compassionate approach to coaching.
- Chris was not just recognized for his on-field accomplishments, but also for his dedication to mentoring young people. He was often praised for his ability to guide players both on and off the field.
