Former Cavalier Henry "King" Oehmig Passes Away

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May 27, 2015

Charlottesville, Va. – Former Virginia men’s golfer Henry “King” Oehmig passed away last weekend at the age of 63. He died of a heart attack while fishing. Oehmig, from Lookout Mountain, Tenn., graduated from Virginia in 1973 and was a three-year letterwinner and two-time team captain for the Cavaliers from 1970 to 1972. He later earned a doctorate of ministry from the University of the South.

For 12 years he coached the golf teams at Baylor School in Chattanooga, Tenn., winning 21 state championships, including 12 straight girls titles. His golfers earned individual medalist honors 14 times. Oehmig was a 1969 Baylor School graduate.

Oehmig served Episcopal churches in Georgia, Tennessee and Mississippi for more than 40 years.

The Virginia golf program’s short game facility at Birdwood Golf Course is named in honor of his father, Lewis W. Oehmig, who was one of the program’s most accomplished golfers.

“The Virginia golf family is saddened to hear the loss of Henry “King” Oehmig, as he was wonderful man and great friend to Virginia golf,” said UVa men’s coach Bowen Sargent. “King will be sorely missed by all those who were touched by his love for golf and life. He and his family had a strong passion for both the men’s and women’s programs as evidenced by their gracious gesture to name the Oehmig Short Game Area after his late father, Lewis. His family’s gift had a direct impact on our men’s and women’s programs and truly helped raise the national profile for both teams. He and his father will always be remembered for their love of Virginia golf.”

Lewis Oehmig was an eight-time winner and five-time runner-up in the Tennessee State Amateur Championship between 1937 and 1971. He became the oldest USGA Champion in history when he won the 1985 U.S. Senior Amateur at age 69. That victory was his third U.S. Senior title, having won in both 1972 and 1976. He served as captain of the U.S. Walker Cup Team in 1977. Lewis Oehmig passed away in 2002.

Both King and Lewis are inducted in the Lookout Mountain Sports Hall of Fame.