By By Adam Prestridge
Adversity was something Archie Trawick did not shy away from.
The former Escambia County superintendent of education and principal made that evident by his “tough-as-nails” approach to administration, while serving in the system for 22 years, and leading Atmore High School through integration and the school board through proration.
Trawick’s contributions to the county will be recalled today as family, friends and colleagues gather to pay their final respects to the longtime educator, who unexpectedly passed away Jan. 1 at the age of 72.
Buck Powell, who also served as superintendent of Escambia County, taught and coached under Trawick. He said that he was “saddened” when he learned of Trawick’s passing.
Trawick hired Powell as head football coach in 1976.
Those who worked with and were friends of Trawick remembered him Friday as a disciplinarian.
Former Rachel Patterson Elementary School teacher Charlotte Boyle said although she never taught under Trawick, she became friends with him over the years.
Powell remembered Trawick running a tight ship while principal in Atmore.
Curtis Ray Parker took over as superintendent following Trawick’s retirement in 1993. He too remembered Trawick’s firm approach at administration.
Jim Staff, served on the school board for 12 years, said he remembered Trawick as a sharp principal and assistant superintendent.
Trawick began his teaching career at Robertsdale High School teaching 10th, 11th, and 12th grade English. He continued teaching at RHS for seven years before taking a position teaching English at Forest Hill High School in West Palm Beach, Fla. Following a two-year stint, Trawick became the assistant principal at Dothan High School where he served for five years.
In 1971, Trawick became the principal at Atmore High School from where he served until 1979. He retired in 1993 after serving as superintendent for five years.
According to Trawick’s son, J.D., his father had been enjoying retirement at home in Perdido.
Trawick will be laid to rest today in Perdido Baptist Cemetery.