Certainly, we could use more of the Carlin Nalley model in the world today.   Always helpful and inclusive.

I remember all the tough football games that we had with Coach Nalley and the Lisle wishbone during my days at Westmont High School. The LION'S  were always the team to beat (rarely) in the Northeast Conference in the 70's and 80's. I got to know and admire Carlin during the year's of  football coaching  against him and then working with him at conference meetings as  Athletic Director at Westmont. I will always remember him as a class act, well prepared and humble with all his success. R.I.P
 Jack McInerney



Thank you so much for everything you did for the community, Lisle High School and the Lisle Lions. You were such a positive influence on everyone you taught and coached. You were a great Athletic Director, a great Coach but an even better person. Thank you for welcoming my family when we moved to Lisle and Thank you for encouraging me to continue to play football in college.
From myself and my family we pass along our heartfelt condolences to Nancy and the whole Nalley family for Coach's passing. We lost a legend but he will never be forgotten. Rest in Peace Coach Nalley you deserve it.

Coach, we are going to miss you so much. The Lisle community will never be the same. I can think of no one who gave more to everyone in Lisle- especially the children. For me, it was such an honor to serve with you on the Lisle Foundation for Educational Excellence (as it was then called). Your love for Lisle's kids had no limit.

God bless you, Mr. Lisle (another name many called you). Your legacy lives on with so many, and in so many ways. We are better for knowing you- I know that I certainly am. We will meet again, my friend.

Coach Nalley was an inspiration to many and to me personally, giving me the opportunity to run on the varsity track team all four years of High School.  
He was great at remembering names and continued to recognize individuals for their achievements, even later in life.   I was honed when the Coach presented me with an induction into the Carlin Nalley Track and Field Invitational Hall-of-Fame.  
The Coach was a man who lived a full and meaningful life and will be remembered for the decent human being he was.

Carlin Nalley hired me as a teacher-coach in 1988.  I worked many track meets with him.  He taught me "you can catch more flies with honey than vinegar."  But one fact: Carlin supported and knew each teacher and all the students he could. When I suffered a stroke, he  called and talked to me.  After my first year at Lisle, my position was eliminated but through his efforts I was rehired.  That led to 28 more years at Lisle.  I had the best, enjoyable, successful teaching career at Lisle because of him. 

Keeping family  and friends in my prayers.



Carlin coached 3 of our boys at Lisle. We believe his influence during their formable years contributed to their growing up as fine responsible young men. 
Peg & Bob Bonomo

Some of my fondest high school memories are on Wilde field, after school, on Coach Nalley's track team.  Coach was non-stop on the field, making sure everyone had what they needed.  I remember during one season, I had an over-use bruise on my left heel.  Coach noticed I was favoring that foot, and asked what was wrong.  I told him my left heel hurt when I put weight on it.  He just said OK.  The next day as I walked past his office, he called me in.  He pulled this plastic/cushioned cup out of his pocket.  It turned out to be a heel cup.  He told me to put it in my shoe at practice.  I did, and it took ALL the pain away.  I couldn't believe it!  Coach Nalley was always ready to help or do what was needed for his athletes.  One year, Coach had 63 busses, parked everywhere, from 63 different schools for his Lisle Invitational Track & Field meet.  What a great day!  In closing, I called a friend when I got news of Coach Nalley's passing to tell him, but he already knew.  One of the 1st things he said was "look what he did for kids".  Thanks Coach, Lee Diehl

I was saddened to learn of Carlin's passing.  As a new teacher and coach to Benet Academy in 1973, I was unfamiliar with the natural rivalry between Lisle High School and Benet Academy.  Over the years moving from assistant to head coach, I had many opportunities to interact with Carlin.  As defensive coordinator, he provided me with such a great challenge.  His knowledge and execution of the wishbone option was without rival.  His coaching produced many great teams.  Our games were always close.  I looked forward to Sunday mornings when we would meet at the same place to pick up our game films, the old super 8 film.  We often had great conversations while waiting.  My last interaction with Carlin was at his Carlin Nalley Invitational track meet several May's ago.  As the head official I had to seek his advice on a ruling.  I knew if anyone knew the answer, he would.  His resolution of the issue helped make it possible for my discus throwing to achieve a new school record despite hitting the fence that was quite far away but in the sector.  Thank you, Carlin, for providing a fine example of excellent coaching in both football and track.  You will be missed.  My condolences to the family.

Mr. Nalley was my science teacher in 1970 and was a positive role model as my son's track coach throughout his school years.

Laura and I are deeply saddened by the passing of Coach Carlin Nalley. Our deepest condolences to the Nalley family. 

For myself, Bruce Janovsky, Coach Nalley was the most influential person in my life. He was instrumental in my development and focus as an athlete and student. The “life lessons” that I learned from Coach Nalley through his coaching and his mentoring became the core of me. These core values stayed with me throughout my career.

Lisle will never have a leader like Coach Nalley again who touched so many lives in so many different ways. A legend!

I was also privileged to be neighbors to the Nalleys when they first moved to Lisle. We have so many fond memories of the Nalley family and watching the Nalley children grow-up. Every time we would be playing football in the backyard, John would come out dressed in his Lions football uniform wanting to play.

Another fond memory I have was when I had sprained an ankle during an August morning football practice. That afternoon Lisle had a terrible rainstorm, which resulted in the Nalley’s basement being flooded. Coach Nalley called our house looking for both my brother Wayne and I to come over and help him clean-up his basement. I reminded the Coach that he had told me to rest my ankle. He paused for a moment and then commented “the water is cold so it will be good for your ankle”.

To Nancy, John, Karla, and Alan, thank you for graciously sharing Coach Nalley with the Lisle Lions' community. 

Rest in Peace Coach!



Bruce Janovsky
. 


I had the double please of knowing Carlin and Nancy.  I was a fellow Educational Administrator in Woodridge and had the pleasure of working with and interacting with Carlin.  He was someone you could  contact for advice and help.  He was a respected individual at the Administrative level in DuPage County  with integrity and always a welcome personality with a smile.  My double pleasure was with Nancy as a fellow educator in Woodridge.  Parents and fellow staff members loved her.  My prayers and sympathy are with Nancy on the loss of Mr. Lisle and Mr Lisle  School District.

When I was a young coach Carlin always treated me with such dignity and respect.  He truly modeled how to treat fellow professionals.  Moreover, although Carlin knew Track was competitive....he never lost sight of the higher goals of fair-mindedness, excellence, and inclusiveness.  Fond memories of
a true patriarch of Illinois Track.

When I was a young coach Carline always treated me with such dignity and respect.  He modeled how coaches should treat fellow professionals.  Morevover,  although he  understood that Track & Field was competitive... he made certain that the higher goals of fair-mindedness, integrity, and excellence would always remain paramount.  Fond memories of a true patriarch of the sport whose legacy is unparalleled.

One of Carlin's favorite expressions was "Pray for Sunshine." When the Booster Club wanted the Lisle Track Invitational renamed the Carlin Nalley Invitational, I added that expression to the bottom of the new logo. Carlin smiled.
His love of Lisle was the sunshine that always filled our lives.

Nancy
I am deeply sorry for your loss Carlin will be missed an extra special man with all of his accomplishments prayers for you and family
Ellen Grover

My sincerest condolences to the Nalley family. I cherish the memories of many Nalley Christmas, Thanksgiving and other family celebrations with Uncle Carlin's beautiful family.  - Joan Nalley

Dear Nancy and Family,
Kathy and I are very sad to learn of Carlin's passing.
Please accept our condolences.
My favorite recollections pf Carlin occurred late in his Coaching career as he "Coached" a number of the best IHSA Track Officials who gathered around his table for the annual rules review. On at least two occasions that august group of officials contacted the IHSA office to point out errors in the test or needed revisions in the rules. Those gatherings were always enjoyable and enlightening with Carlin in charge. He will be missed by all.
Peace,
Bill Drennan 

Our family moved to Lisle during the month of December 1986. One of the first people encountered was Carlin Nalley. He assured us that the school district was "the best kept secret in DuPage County. A true statement. with few exceptions.  Two of our children were active in sports related activities, And I became active assisting at track, cross country meets, did some Nalley Meet announcing, and timing. Even spotted at football games and scoreboard operator for basketball and football. He was always open and friendly, and showed genuine interest in the accomplishments of others. He was an outstanding starter and mindful of the "little details." It was always a pleasure to see him at events or just in town. He was genuine through and through and his title wave of contributions, good words, and friendliness will be sorely missed. God's Speed, friend. We will miss you. Our sympathy to the entire Nalley family. 5/23/2022 

My sincere condolences to the entire Nalley family. Coach Nalley was a true gem in the Lisle community, someone whom positively touched so many students lives. It was an honor to have know him and to have been on any of his teams. He will truly be missed by many and will be remembered for many years.”

So sad to hear of the passing of Uncle Carlin.  He was such a great man with so many people who loved him.  He visited us once while in town for a coaching conference and invited me to tag along for the day.  I was amazed at how many people came up  to talk with him throughout the day.  So many wonderful memories for Christmas time in DeSoto, Kansas with him and Nancy along with John, Karla and Alan.  Sending lots of love to the family during this difficult time. 

He always seem to love to see me run track and won 🥇 state in my division i Believe in 91 or 92. My heart goes out to the family .

Sincerely
Isaiah Collins
Former student

I remember walking into the high school as a freshman and really not knowing a lot of people since I had gone to St. Joan for grade school. Within the first few days, Mr. Nalley came up to me and started talking about me going out for the basketball team. He knew I had played at St. Joan. I’ve always remembered that and, over the years, truly appreciated how he instantly made me feel at home at Lisle. And, in later years, he truly had a knack for getting you to volunteer!😄

Coach Nalley was one of the first people I met when I arrived in Lisle in the fall of 1969, and he was a special person for more than half a century.  Early on, I filmed the football games, and later I became the team's PA announcer.  To work with Coach was always a pleasure.  He had a gruff voice, but he appreciated effort and work ethic, one of the reasons he was a great leader.   When I became the tennis coach, he truly became one of my mentors, and any success I had in coaching softball, bowling and golf was always in part due to his leadership and guidance.  
I have always called him Coach, and I will continue to think of him in that role.  Best of all, he was my friend.  He was likely your friend, too.  Rest in Peace, Coach.

Carlin was a great man and a great mentor. I learned a lot from our phone conversations and working with him on the track. He truly loved what he did and his passion for the sport is inspiring.

To the Family of Coach Nalley:  
         There are times in young lives when one needs a mentor, a friend, and a trusted adult to whom they can confide hopes and fears, disclose troubling situations, and help problem-solving the seemingly impossible. "Coach" was one of those people for me.  During the 74-75 and 75-76 school years, I was a TA in the Guidance Office, where "Coach" frequently visited to consult the School Counselors re: the athletes he nurtured and  and mentored. I wass blessed to be able to interact with him there on levels I would later acknowledge as priceless (actually life-saving). 
            In the Spring of 1975, there were many unseemly and unspeakable thing I was facing. Coach Nalley immediately noticed the change in my usual demeanor and sat with me at the table in the corner of the Guidance Office on one of his regular visits. His immediate concern was evident on his face when he asked me outright, "What's going on, kid?" I started to tear up and told him I was contemplating suicide and shared the reasons for behind my rationale. His consternation was obvious and his response to my words were swift. He told me that the world wouldn't be right without my presence. I had a job to do and I was the only one who could do it. He stated people were counting on me and (I think most importantly), I couldn't let the team down. I believe it was his way of telling me I was valued. His words were a wonder to me that got me through the remainder of that crucial year for me. They allowed me to venture out of my pain and attempt things I hadn't before. 
        Mrs. Nalley, I will be forever grateful to your husband for that gift. He saved my life that day. I am beyond grateful that I was able to share this with him in-person at the last held All Years Reunion. We were allowed to reconnect, though briefly (and with tears) as I related his importance in my life. He thanked me for telling him.
        You and yours are forever in my prayers!

OBITUARY

Carlin Nalley

16 February, 1937 – 20 May, 2022

Blake-Lamb Funeral Home

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Reminders

Services