Julio Cesar “Coach” Vena, a longtime educator, soccer coach, and Bible professor who influenced generations of students in Toccoa, Georgia, has died at the age of 83. Vena passed away on September 30, 2026, in Cleveland, Georgia, leaving behind a legacy rooted in education, athletics, faith, and family.
According to his obituary published by The Toccoa Record, Vena was born on December 20, 1942, in Buenos Aires, Argentina. He dedicated much of his life to teaching and mentoring students, particularly through his work at Toccoa Falls College, where he served as a professor of Bible and theology.
Known to many as “Coach,” Vena played an important role in developing the college’s soccer program and helping youth soccer grow throughout Stephens County. His influence extended beyond the playing field, as he combined his love for sports with a strong commitment to Christian teaching.
Julio Vena Built a Lasting Legacy at Toccoa Falls College
Vena’s journey in education began with studies at Instituto Biblico Rio de la Plata in Lomas de Zamora, Argentina. He later earned degrees from Evangel University in Springfield, Missouri, and Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Deerfield, Illinois.
In the summer of 1971, he married Catherine Jacobson. The couple moved to Toccoa that same year after Vena accepted a position at Toccoa Falls College as a professor of Bible and theology.
During his early years at the college, Vena developed a successful varsity soccer program. He also helped establish and encourage youth soccer in Stephens County, giving young players opportunities to learn the sport and develop their abilities.
Although soccer remained an important part of his life, Vena’s obituary identifies sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ as his deepest passion. As a New Testament professor, he taught countless students about the Bible and Christian living.
His work brought together education, faith, and athletics, allowing him to influence students in the classroom as well as through sports. His decades of commitment helped shape the experiences of those who studied under him and those who played on the teams he coached.
Julio Vena’s Family and Celebration of Life
Vena is survived by his wife, Catherine Jacobson Vena; his son, Christopher Vena, and daughter in law, Christy; and his daughter, Jessica Rockwell, and son in law, Brian.
His grandchildren include Brandon Rockwell and his wife, Heidi; Jared Rockwell; Catherine Reed and her husband, Taylor; Colby Rockwell; Jordan Vena; Isabel Rockwell; Margaret Vena; and Emarie Vena. He is also survived by his brother, Jose Vena, and sister in law, Rita, along with several nieces and nephews.
His parents, Felipe Vena and Blanca Espinosa, who were from Buenos Aires, Argentina, preceded him in death.
A celebration of life is scheduled for November 28, 2026, at 4 p.m. at First Alliance Church in Georgia. The gathering will provide family members, friends, former students, and others whose lives he touched an opportunity to remember his life and contributions.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested contributions to Toccoa Falls College, an institution that held a special place in Vena’s heart and reflected his lifelong dedication to education and faith.
Vena’s legacy lives on through his family, the students he taught, the athletes he coached, and the community he served for decades.
