Robert Lee "Coach" Mccoy

Robert Lee “Coach” McCoy was born November 28, 1934 to the late Johnny McCoy and Orelia Porter in Longville, LA. He was a 1953 graduate of the Beauregard Parish Training School. Following graduation he furthered his education at Grambling State University where he graduated in 1957 with a Bachelor of Arts in Education.  An outstanding athlete who loved basketball, he broke many high school and college records. He began a professional basketball career with the Detroit Pistons in the position of forward, and also served in the U.S. Army. In 1959 he married the late Ruby Williams and to this union two children were born, Rhonda and Reuben.

After returning to DeRidder in 1958, he began his teaching and coaching career at George Washington Carver from 1958 to 1970 where he led his teams to many victories and state finals. He also taught and coached at DeRidder High School and in Calcasieu Parish for a number of years. Several of his players pursued successful careers in professional basketball and coaching.  Known by many as coach, he spent several years serving the community as the Manager of the North side Pool. His love was basketball and family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Orelia and James Porter, and Johnny McCoy; and sister Jo Helen Riley. His living family legacy includes his wife Alberta; daughter Rhonda; sons Reuben (Grace), Richard Jackson (Joyce), Randy Archield; one brother, Donald McCoy ; three sisters, Jean Dillon , Carolyn Rigmaiden, and Johnny McCoy;  and a number of grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, relatives and close friends.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, July 9, 2016 at Sweet Home Baptist Church in DeRidder.  Burial will follow at Community Cemetery, also in DeRidder.