Warren Douglas “Doub” Brill, a beloved FFA advisor and coach of softball and track and field, passed away Friday, Dec. 19, 2025. He was 66.
Brill taught agricultural science and shop for 34 years. He began at Page County High School in 1983 and later worked at Stonewall Jackson High School. He retired from full-time teaching in 2017 but continued mentoring students as a substitute.
He coached softball, track and field, and swimming. Brill also guided students through FFA competitions and small engine projects.
Tributes Pour in for the Great Coach and Educator
His students remember his practical, hands-on teaching style, and hundreds of them have sent prayers to Brill and his family during the difficult moment.
“Mr. Brill was one of my favorite teachers in school. His class was always fun and never really felt like a classroom. Shop class was what I looked forward to every day in high school because of this man,” Walker Clinedinst said.
Lee Allen Runion added, “Such a great man. One of my favorite teachers and coaches.”
James Dellinger wrote, “He was an amazing shop and small engine teacher. Big shoes to fill there.”
Frank Comer, who coached alongside Brill, said, “I had the privilege of working with him. He was a great guy and an excellent coach.”
Brian Comer wrote, “Very sorry to hear this, Mr Brill was a great teacher and outstanding person, prayers for the family.”
Brill’s impact went beyond sports and shop class. He encouraged students to work hard and take pride in what they do. He often stayed after school to help with projects and competitions.
Outside the classroom, Brill enjoyed woodworking and gardening. He made furniture, turned bowls on his lathe, and canned vegetables from his garden.
He and his wife, Donna Jean, spent retirement exploring the Shenandoah Valley playing Pokémon Go. Summers at Chincoteague with family were a favorite tradition.
He is survived by his wife, Donna, and their two children, Kristin Cornell and Adam Brill.
Jeffrey Burner had a long tribute for the late coach, involving Brill’s daughter, Kristin. He noted,
“Mr. Brill was a heck of good guy. I thoroughly enjoyed coaching with him during Kristin’s softball career. Their competitiveness was always on display. If he called a pitch again, that she shook off and it led to a hit, I knew I was going to have to separate the two of them in the dugout. His love for his family and his students was just as apparent. I want to thank him for his dedication to our school and this community. We’ve certainly lost a wonderful person. I’m sending love to his family. Thanks for being you Warren.”
A visitation and funeral will be held at Heishman Funeral Home in Woodstock. Visitors will be received at 10 a.m. Friday, Jan. 2, 2026, with the funeral at 11 a.m. Burial will follow at Sunset Memorial Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the Mt. Jackson Rescue Squad.
Former students and community members continue to honor Brill’s legacy. “Such a wonderful educator and person. He will be missed,” Susan Schuckman said. Brenda Ketterman wrote, “Prayers to the family for the loss of your loved one.”
Warren Brill left a mark on his students, teams, and community. His lessons extended beyond the classroom and the field, teaching responsibility, skill, and heart.
