Billy Piper, Poplar Bluff’s All-American

The Poplar Bluff Museum tells many unknown tales of our community. I want to tell you some of those hidden tales found within the museum walls.

Billy Piper was an All-Star athlete. He earned a record 12 varsity letters at Poplar Bluff High School. He was an All-Conference football player in 1957, and All-Conference, All-State, and All-American player in 1958.

When Billy went to the University of Alabama, he earned three more varsity letters. Under the leadership of the legendary coach Paul “Bear” Bryant, he played in the Bluebonnet Bowl, Orange Bowl and the Sugar Bowl. Billy was the defensive player of the year for the Crimson Tide in 1964. He was fortunate to have played with NFL superstar Joe Namath while at Alabama.

In 1981, Billy Piper was one of the first athletes to be inducted into the Poplar Bluff Sports Hall of Fame. His plaque is on display in the Poplar Bluff Museum. Billy’s portrait and football jersey are also display in a special glass case.

The Museum is handicap accessible and open every Sunday free of charge from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at 1010 N. Main St. in Poplar Bluff, the former Old Mark Twain School. Tell them Mike sent you!

Mike Shane is a veteran, Poplar Bluff resident and board member for the Poplar Bluff Museum.