SENATE RESOLUTION 65

(By Senators Drennan, Plymale, Stollings, and Boso)

[Introduced March 7, 2018]

Memorializing the life of Leon McCoy, teacher, coach, and dedicated public servant.

Whereas, Leon McCoy was born June 1, 1928, in Jeffrey, Boone County, West Virginia; and

Whereas, Leon McCoy attended Charleston High School, the University of Tennessee, and Morris Harvey College; and

Whereas, Leon McCoy went to the University of Tennessee on a football scholarship in 1947, and then finished up at Morris Harvey (1949-1951) where he was an All-American football player in 1950, three-time All-West Virginia Intercollegiate Athletic Conference first team selection and graduated in 1952. He was also a United States heavyweight boxing champion of the south in 1950 and signed with the Detroit Lions of the National Football League in 1952; and

Whereas, Leon McCoy began his teaching/coaching career as an assistant coach at Charleston Central Catholic HS in 1953. He then took his first turn at Winfield High School from 1955-1959, losing the state title in both 1958 and 1959. Coach McCoy returned to coach at Charleston High School in 1960 but in 1962 went to Cocoa High School in Florida to coach/teach for seven years. In 1969, Coach McCoy arrived back at Winfield High School to teach, coach, and mentor the many athletes, students, and coworkers where he led from the front with his well-known weightlifting program; and

Whereas, Coach McCoy had an outstanding career as Winfield’s football coach, finishing with a career record of 213-68-1 in 26 years; and

Whereas, Coach McCoy had five 10-0 seasons, and two undefeated seasons in 1985 and 1987, winning the state AA Championship with records of 13-0; and

Whereas, Coach McCoy was inducted into the West Virginia Coaches Hall of Fame in 2009 and is also a member of the University of Charleston Hall of Fame; and

Whereas, Coach McCoy was a devout christian and head deacon at the Winfield Baptist Church, and eagerly shared and demonstrated his faith at every opportunity; and

Whereas, Coach McCoy was married to his beloved wife, Betty, of 64 years, with whom he shared the joy of having their children: Cathy Bailey (David), of Scott Depot, and Bill Hughes (Linda), of Winfield; grandchildren, Brooke Smolder (Eddie), of Ripley, and their children Braylie and Eddric, Brittany Harper (Dave), of Scott Depot, and their children Betley and Cassidy, Amy Artrip (Brent), of Raleigh, and their children Eric and Ian, and John Grass (Kristi), of Raleigh, and his children Tori, Sera, and Jack

Whereas, Sadly, Coach McCoy passed away on May 27, 2017, bringing an end to a legendary teaching and coaching career, and a life dedicated to faith, family, and public service; and

Whereas, It is fitting the Senate honors the memory of Coach Leon McCoy for his contributions to his community and state; therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate:

That the Senate hereby memorializes the life of Leon McCoy, teacher, coach, and dedicated public servant; and

Further Resolved, That the Senate extends its most sincere condolences to family of Coach Leon McCoy on his passing; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the Clerk is hereby directed to forward a copy of this resolution to the family of Coach Leon McCoy.