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A beloved husband, dedicated teacher, coach and school administrator, Coach W. Leon McGraw passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 19, 2020 at 11:50 pm at the age of 91. He was surrounded by family and friends in The Butterfly Wing of Baton Rouge General Hospital. Born October 25, 1928 on Cedar Street in Baton Rouge, La. to L. M. ""Mack"" and Katie Ruth McGraw, he grew up with a love of family, God, music, creativity and sports. He began his coaching career as a sandlot team captain in Standard Heights. There he met Coon Porta, with whom he would share an incredible friendship and a state championship team. It was at Coon's mother's house that he first spied his true love, JoRay Ashford. Wartime called him to the US Navy where he served as a medic for four years, with his bride by his side. He had a job waiting for him at the plant but he told his father, ""I want to be a coach."" Leon received his Master's Degree in education from LSU. Coach McGraw was an inspiration throughout his career and he was a ""father"" to many along the way. Over the course of his career, he received many awards and honors including: inductions into LHSAA Athletic Hall of Fame, BRHS Hall of Fame, and Istrouma High Hall of Fame, recipient of the first Jim Corbett Award, as well as many ""Coach of The Year"" awards in all the sports. His 42 years of tenure included: Head Coach and Assistant Principal at Istrouma High School, Head Coach at Baton Rouge High, and Principal and Head Coach of Parkview Baptist High during its founding years. Coach McGraw was a Commander of American Legion Nicholson Post 38 for 3 terms and President of the EBR Retired Teachers Association as well as a Baseball Scout for the Philadelphia Phillies, St. Louis Cardinals and the Major League Scouting Bureau. An avid sportsman, Coach loved spending time on Belle River with family and friends. Following his strong Christian principles, he was a member of First United Methodist Church. Coach leaves behind to cherish his memory, his devoted wife of 67 years, JoRay Ashford McGraw, nieces, Marsha Disotell, Judy Disotell, Carol Ruth Szakmary (Andy) and nephews, Barry Matheny (Taffy), Danny Matheny (Jane), and Wayne Austin (Dee), whom he considered a son. He also remains in the hearts of the many students, athletes, and friends he's touched throughout the years. He is preceded in death by his beloved father, L.M. ""Mack"" McGraw, mother, Katie Ruth McCraine McGraw, sister, Janet Elise Matheny, stepmother, Mary Jones McGraw, dear aunt, Edna Jones Andrews, and numerous other treasured family members. Carrying him to his final resting place are pallbearers, Barry Matheny, Danny Matheny, Mark Porta, Mike Hopper, Mike Wampold and Johnny Palazzotto. Honorary pallbearers are Lee Herrington, Joe Womack, Jack Chapman, Warren Bogan, M.L. Woodruff and the multitude of beloved students and athletes who carry him in their hearts. The family would like to thank everyone who so graciously gave their love and support. A special thanks to Anne Greco whose support has been invaluable. Visitation will be at Rabenhorst Funeral Home, 825 Government Street, Monday from 9:00 am until religious services at 11:00 am to be conducted by Rev. Dr. Jane Riecke and Bro. Wayne Austin. Burial will follow in Roselawn Memorial Park.
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He was my favorite teacher and he will always have a special place in my heart. He was an inspiration to so many of us. Rest in peace Coach. We still love you dearly.
Michelle Roy
Student
March 4, 2020
Even though it has been over 50 years since I was in Coach McGraw's 10th grade homeroom Civics class at BRHS, I still remember him with a warm heart of gratitude. At a time when my self-esteem was shaky, he made me feel special. What a blessing he was, and will forever be.
Nancy Peevey
March 2, 2020
COACH MCGRAW WAS A WONDERFUL COACH HE WAS SO EXCITING TO LISTERN TOO, I AM A 1979 MIDTERM GRADUATE.ISTROMA SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL ALUMNI,HE WAS A GREAT MAN AND LIVE HIS LIFE THE BEST WAY HE CAN.I WILL MISS HIM,HE WOULD TELL YOU NEVER GIVE UP ON YOUR DREAM BE ALL YOU CAN BE, AND WHEN YOU DO THAT, YOU WILL OWN THE VICTORY.HE TOLD ME YEARS AGO WHEN HE HEARD ME SONG IN CHOIR, I NEVER FORGET THE SONG WAS SINGING WAS MIDNIGHT BLUE BY MELISSA MANCHESTER I WAS PRACTING FOR A SOLO UNDER MUSIC TEACHER MR.GROOCH HE SAID SHIRLEY I NEVER KNEW YOU COULD SING THAT GOOD,I SAID THANK YOU, HE SAID USE YOUR VOICE WHERE EVER IN CHURCH ETC. GET IN A STUDIO AND LET YOUR SINGING BE HEARD ALL ACROSS THE WORLD YOU HAVE A GIFT FROM GOD. SO COACH THANK YOU FOR ENJOYING MY TALENT AND ENCOURAGE ME SO MUCH. I STILL SINGS A LOT ESPECIALLY IN CHURCH . THANK YOU RIP YOU WERE THE BEST AND DRESS ALL TIMES SO NEAT. PEACE
Shirley Ross
February 25, 2020
Offering prayers fora fallen Sailor.
Barry Jarreau
February 25, 2020
My first class math teacher, I had problems in 1977, coach always kept me in line! The trip to angola made all of us think. Thanks for the lessons! You will be missed.
Carey Blank
February 25, 2020
As far back as I can recall, my Dad would frequently say,... "Lemon and Leon!!! Two of the finest MEN on earth! " Then my Mom would follow quickly with her high school pal and Leon's wife,...." And, oh, Jo Ray!!! What a perfect LADY... in every sense of the word!!! " Cupid did His best work in putting those two together and I cannot imagine one without the other. Both God's gifts to teaching in the classroom and in life. Saw this loving couple out shopping a couple of years ago and enjoyed chatting with them. Now, so sad to realize of Leon's passing. Heartfelt prayers to family and friends.
Michael Hughes
February 25, 2020
May Coach rest in the Peace of our Blessed Lord.
February 24, 2020
Loved having Coach as a teacher and he was a friend of my Dads. I loved it when he told little stories about what he and my Dad did as kids .. Rest in Peace and tell my Dad I said hello.. You were the best teacher EVER...
Lee Anne
Teacher
February 24, 2020
RIP Coach McGraw.
Larry Wisham
February 24, 2020
Coach has always meant the world to me. He took me and molded me into the man that I am today. I know where I would be if not for him. I will have always have great memories of him. Thanks Coach for everything. Istrouma Class of 78! District 6AAAA Champions 76, 77!!! State AAAA Runner-up 1976!!! Michael Podogg Kent
Michael Kent
Student
February 24, 2020
What a wonderful and caring person he was. He taught me and I looked forward to have had him as a teacher. He will be missed for sure. RIP Coach McGraw. Class of 1970
Marilyn Broussard
February 24, 2020
YOU ARE THE BEST COACH THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES
Bobby Hebert
February 24, 2020
My thoughts and prayers for Coaches family, friends and loved ones. I was truly blessed to have been a student of his. He was a kind, caring man, teacher and coach. He touched so many lives. What a beautiful legacy to leave behind. Istrouma High class of 77
Darlene Clark-Knight
February 23, 2020
Coach McGraw knew how to get the best out of each of us. I played football for him for one year at BRHS. Over the summer, between the 10th and 11th grade, he told The Advocate he thought I was going to be a great contribution to the team when the season started. That got printed in the newspaper! I was just an OK player; nothing great about me.
Years later I ran into him at the AC Lewis YMCA. He would look for opportunities to introduce me to people he knew. And when he did you'd have thought I'd won the Heisman. "Richmond was one of my best football players, ever!" he'd say. I was totally embarrassed by that.
When he found out I was a Marine Corps veteran, he recruited me for the American Legion. I joined because of him. Later on he encouraged me to run for president of the Nicholson Post American Legion hall because he trusted me, and didn't trust the current administration.
"Coach," is a moniker few really earn. "Coach" means mentor. If there was ever a coach who was a mentor, and a leader of men, it was Leon McGraw. I am so sad to see him go, but heaven's gridiron awaits!
Richmond Odom
February 23, 2020
He was special to so many who knew him - Thankfully I was one Larry Kotler
February 23, 2020
Such a good man that cared for his students. Bless you!!
Tom and Edna Lambert
February 23, 2020
I am sorry for the loss of coach McGraw he was my favorite teacher at istouma high
Dara Tipler-ducote
February 23, 2020
He was a great teacher, coach & a amazing man. I was lucky to have him as teacher at Istrouma High. He touched many lives & he will always hold a special place in my heart. Thoughts & Prayers for his family.
IHS Class of 1978.
Sherry Melancon
February 23, 2020
One of my beacons of light in my darkness of leaving home at 16. Helped keep my life afloat. I benefited from the caring man he was. He saved my sorry self from drifting over to a bad place. 'take a knee'. BRHS class of 1967
Hal Faust
February 23, 2020
Thank you Lord for allowing our paths to cross! Still living by life lessons taught by Coach McGraw. Thanks Coach! IHS "79"
Edward Mitchell
February 23, 2020
Coach exemplified a life well-lived. Over 50 years ago I fell in love with the World Series after viewing it with Coach during our Civics class at BRHS. Somehow he turned that into an appropriate lesson in teamwork, American spirit, patriotism, faith and so many other qualities and values as represented by "the games". (This was in the context of the Vietnam War making daily headlines.) Of course we celebrated his October birthday too. I always make a point of watching the Series playoffs and games, with fond memories of a teacher who understood how to reach even the "non-athlete" teens with influence to last a lifetime. His memory and influence lives on thru each of us.
M Fournier
February 23, 2020
A very fine man. My prayers will always be for him. Played against his teams in the 60's. Ronnie Domas , CHS"61"
Ronnie Domas
February 23, 2020
R.I.P. coach, graduated class of 73.
Rick Fletcher
February 23, 2020
Such an inspiring man. He will be remembered for his kindness, humor and directions for a successful life.
Judi Golson
February 23, 2020
Coach McGraw and a mentor and father figure to me during my years at BRHS. My father had died when I was 13, and Coach McGraw and Boots Garland provided guidance to me at a time when my life could have gone in a negative direction. I cherish my memories of playing for Coach McGraw and will always be grateful to him. Our prayers and thoughts are with his family.
Steve Payne
February 23, 2020
Our sincere Condolences to the Family May you be lifted up by the Most High in this trying time.
Karliss and Monica
Class of 79 Istrouma
Karliss Campbell
February 23, 2020
I didn't really know him, but I heard all about him from my mom. My mom was his cousin, Clare Jewel (McGraw) Mallet. So sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Wendy Williams.
Wendy Williams
Family
February 23, 2020
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Henry Bozeman
February 22, 2020
So many have been blessed to have had Coach in our lives and I am a very fortunate one. He was a great man, mentor, and friend. He will be fondly remembered and greatly missed.
God Bless
Lee Fortier
February 22, 2020
Our hearts and prayers go out to all the family at this time of loss & sorrow. May Our Lord & God Bless you all with good memories of great times & MAY YOU REST IN PEACE, "COACH"...
Hawkeye Clarke
February 22, 2020
Leon was a coach, a neighbor, a friend and a wonderful person. Rest in peace my friend!
February 22, 2020
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