Tommie Lee Gould, 87, passed away on Wednesday August 12, 2026 at his residence in Shelbyville.

He was born in Campbellsburg, Indiana to parents Gilbert O. Gould and Mabel (Voyles) Gould.

Tom graduated from Orleans High School in 1957 where he was a four-year varsity basketball starting guard and standout player.

He earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in physical education and secondary education from Purdue University in 1963.

Mr. Gould taught and coached basketball at Seymour Junior High School for two years before coming to Shelbyville High School in 1966. He taught biology, health, physical education and driver’s education at Shelbyville for 34 years before retiring in 2000.

He was an assistant basketball coach for some of Shelbyville’s finest teams, including the 1967 through 1970 squads that captured four consecutive sectional titles. He served as an assistant coach for the 1979 and 1980 teams that advanced to the Indianapolis Semi-State. Coach Gould won two sectionals during his years as the Golden Bears head coach from 1980 through 1983.

He also coached boys and girls golf and cross-country teams during his tenure at SHS.

He is the only basketball coach in Golden Bear history to serve in the roles of varsity, assistant varsity, junior varsity and freshman coach.

Tom was a member of the local Sons of The American Legion, VFW auxiliary, the Eagles Lodge and the Elks Lodge. He was an avid golfer with his friends, Tom Wheeler and Don Dunaway. He enjoyed long rides on his motorcycle in the Black Hills, SD. He was a proud Purdue alumnus and an avid fan of Boilermaker athletics, religiously following the teams and attending numerous football and basketball games through the years.

Most significantly, Coach Gould inspired his players to develop a passion for basketball and a special connection to being a Golden Bear. He forged special lifetime relationships with many former players and students who remain eternally grateful for his positive influence.

He is survived by sons, Bradley (Shana) Gould of Rantoul, IL, and Mark (Anita) Gould of Spearfish, SD; grandchildren Derek (Katie) Gould of Mascoutah, IL, Katie Gould of Mascoutah, IL, Markus Gould of Saratoga, WY and Madison (Jack) Gould of Salt Lake City, UT; great-grandchildren, Abigail, Graham, Andrew and Summer; brother Jim Gould; loving partner of 20 years Judy Dover and special friends Yvonne Beaumont and Russell Cooper.

Mr. Gould was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Hilda Gould and Delores Smedley; and his loving dogs, Magic and Brown.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Shelbyville American Legion and will be announced soon.

Funeral directors Greg Parks, Sheila Parks and Stuart Parks are honored to serve Tom’s family.

Memorial contributions in honor of Tom can be made to the Shelbyville Athletic Booster Club, 2003 S. Miller St., Shelbyville, IN 46176.

Condolences may be shared at www.murphyparks.com.