WINFIELD, W.Va. — Leon McCoy, who helped shape the lives of thousands of young people while teaching and coaching at Winfield High School, died Saturday. He was 87.
McCoy coached football at Winfield for more than two decades, winning more than 200 games and claiming Class AA state titles in 1985 and 1987. Seven of his teams went undefeated.
McCoy, himself a weightlifter, emphasized that earlier than most coaches. He made many of the weights that his players used in training.
McCoy played college football at Tennessee and Morris Harvey College where he became an All-American.
His accomplishments were recognized in numerous ways. McCoy was the commencement speaker at Winfield for years until 2014 when some began to complain about the religious overtones of his speeches.
At the time, McCoy released the following statement to the Charleston Gazette:
“I want to do what is right. As Christians, we have been, in the past, able to express our views, but we can’t forget about the law. If we are breaking the law, we have to make adjustments. This is not a decision of the board; this is the law. I hope people will take my lead.
“This is not about me or Mr. McGrew or the superintendent. I have confidence in the administration at Winfield High, the Board of Education, and the superintendent, as I always have. If we are fortunate enough to get young people to follow our leadership, we thank God for it.
“I hope people respond to this action we are taking and do what is best for our kids. The focus of this graduation needs to be only on the graduating class of Winfield High School.”
When the news of McCoy’s death began to spread Sunday many took to social media talking of his influence on their lives.
My heart is heavy today for the loss of a great man that I barely knew but knew so much about because of his influence on others. Leon McCoy pic.twitter.com/UnKTKcsBXs
— Jack Withrow ??? (@jdub26pt2) May 28, 2017
So sorry to hear this news. Leon McCoy was an amazing faith-filled man whose legacy will never leave those who he touched. https://t.co/YKceer3rRL
— TonyCaridi (@TonyCaridi) May 28, 2017
Sad day for General Nation as the legend, Coach Leon McCoy has passed away. The true definition of gentleman and General. Love ya coach. RIP
— Shawn Gillispie (@Sgillispiewv) May 28, 2017
Another person who touched my life, Coach Leon McCoy, has passed away. Our loss is heaven gain. He was a man of God in every way. RIP Coach
— Butch Powell (@Butch_Powell) May 29, 2017