Rick Burgess remembered his father, Bill Burgess, as “truly one of a kind” after the Hall of Fame Jacksonville State football coach died Wednesday at age 82.

“To many he is coach, but to his family is Husband, Dad and Pop,” the “Rick & Bubba” co-host posted to Instagram. Coaching was his profession but it was not his identity.

“God has been so gracious to me in so many ways. I will always be grateful that my heavenly Father gave me an [earthly] father like Bill Burgess,” Rick Burgess continued. “Truly one of a kind.”

On Twitter, the radio host took solace that his 2 1/2-year-old son who drowned in the family’s swimming pool in 2008, Bronner Burgess, was reunited with his father in heaven, sharing an Instagram post from his wife, Sherri Burgess.

“Together again! Bronner’s Pop stepped into glory with him and into the presence of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, this morning at 1:11 surrounded by his family,” Sherri Burgess posted along with a photo of Bill Burgess with his arm around Bronner. “What a presence this man was in my own life and in the lives of all who knew him and what comfort to know with all assurance that we will meet again! Love never ends!”

Bill Burgess’ death was announced by the athletic department at JSU, where he coached from 1985-96. He posted a record of 84-49-4 with the Gamecocks, including four Gulf South Conference championships and the 1992 Division II national title.

“On behalf of the entire JSU family, we extend our deepest sympathies to the entire Burgess Family,” Jax State president Don Killingsworth said. “Coach Burgess launched JSU to national recognition in football and was one of the best at building young men into the great husbands, fathers and community members that they are today. He will surely be missed, and all of the Burgess family and Gamecock football family are in our prayers.”