John Earl “Johnny” Coyle, Jr., age 78, of Springfield, passed away Tuesday, March 30, 2021 at Baptist Health in Lexington.
A lifelong native of Washington County, he was born on July 15, 1942 to the late John Earl and Mildred Cocanougher Coyle.
Preceding him in death were two infant brothers, Tommie S. Coyle in 1939 and Donald Coyle in 1948.
He was a 1960 graduate of Springfield High School, a graduate of Campbellsville College and received his master’s degree from the University of Kentucky. He began his teaching career at the Boyle County High School, then transferring to the Bardstown City Schools before becoming the principal at the Marion County Vocational School where he spent the rest of his working career in the educational field.
Johnny was very interested in young people and enjoyed teaching and helping instill moral and ethical values in their lives, preparing them to grow up and be productive citizens in the community. Not only was Johnny interested in their education he enjoyed coaching baseball and served as Little League, Pony League and Girls Softball coach in Springfield for several years.
Johnny had a great appreciation for his hometown of Springfield and Washington County, over the years he served as a councilman for the City of Springfield, served as a board member on the Springfield Water Board, he was currently serving as a director of the Washington County Co-op Tobacco Warehouse and also served as a magistrate on the Washington County Fiscal Court.
He began his Christian walk at the Beech Grove Baptist Church, then at Springfield Baptist Church where he served as a deacon, trustee and a Sunday School teacher for the senior high boys and later becoming a member of River of Life Church where he served as an overseer and the church business administrator.
Survivors include his wife, Elaine “Lainey” Hall Coyle; his daughter, Yvonne Coyle of Atlanta, Georgia; his son, Jonathan Coyle and his wife, Melanie of Versailles and his three grandchildren, Josie, Alex and Ben Coyle.
In keeping with his wishes cremation was chosen and a memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Friday, April 9th at the River of Life Church with Rev. Troy Shelton, the church pastor, officiating.
Burial will be on Cemetery Hill.
Serving as honorary pallbearers will be William “Corky” Yankey, Shawn Kries, Marion “Pete” Coyle, Tom Meyer, David Randolph, Mike Elliott, John Adams, Jason Smith, Seth Shelton, Johnny Reinle, J.T. Shelton, Mike Jones and Mike Murphy.
Visitation will be from 10:00 until time of the service at 1:00 Friday at the River of Life Church.
In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Tanzania Missions or the River of Life Church Building Fund.
Carey & Son Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
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