Leonard “Coach” Evans, Jr.
His Journey towards His Legacy.
The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD, and He delights in his way.
- Psalm 37:23
The journey of Leonard “Coach” Evans, Jr. began on May 29, 1924 in McKinney, Texas. Coach was the eldest child of Leonard and Margaret (Avery) Evans, Sr. and eldest brother to L. C. (King) Evans, Cora Canady and Jean Jacobs.
“My grandfather told me about going to a slave auction with his own mother and father. His parents, my great-grandparents, were sold together. Because my grandfather was too young at the time to be trained, he was left on the auction wagon,” shared Coach Evans. Holding to a dim ray of hope, just before dark, a man purchased Grandfather Evans.
When Grandfather Evans came of age and was freed, he found himself in Dallas and later moved to McKinney. Upon purchasing 14 acres of land in northeast McKinney, Evans would soon cultivate and produce future generations of Evans and provide refuge for many persons throughout the community, even to this day.
As a young teen, both of Coach’s parents left him in a home that included a stove, wood and matches ... but no food. His mother expressed her intentions to write him and be in touch. This turn of events introduced a concept of family that would totally transform Evans’ life forever. Evans would see to it that his family, and anyone in need of family, could find solace in him.
Coach was educated in the McKinney school system through Frederick Douglass School and E.S. Doty High School. Coach and his life-long friends provided melodious harmony as a part of Doty’s entertainment and in contests throughout the state. He had a keen eye and talent for athletics.
Upon completion of E.S. Doty High School, Coach served in the United States Army during World War II. Coach served his country and humanity well. Following the War, colleges were overcrowded due to so many soldiers returning home. Prairie View was overcrowded, and The University of Texas would not allow Coach to matriculate due to segregation. Initially denied admission to Texas College due to overcrowding, Coach was eventually admitted to and finished Texas College in Tyler, Texas in 1952. He finished with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics. He later joined Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated, where Manhood, Scholarship, Perseverance and Uplift were adopted as Cardinal Principles.
Soon after graduating, Coach married the love of his life, Julia Myrl Berry. To this union, Leonard Berry, Ralph and Terrye were born.
Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD. The fruit of the womb is a reward.
Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, so are the children of one's youth. Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them; They shall not be ashamed, but shall speak with their enemies in the gate.
- Psalm 127:3 – 5
Education. It Just Made Sense.
For more than half-a-century, Evans was in love with teaching, specifically mathematics. As an educator, he began his teaching career at Lincoln High School in Dallas and eventually made it back home to McKinney where he served in various capacities at E.S. Doty High School. As a bus driver, coach and teacher, it was at Doty High School where he earned the endearing name of “Coach.”
As part of national legislation to integrate the schools, Coach integrated Fanny Finch Elementary. Having survived raising himself, combat in WWII and segregation, Coach faced a new challenge that he could not face alone: integration. With his wife, Julia, and two sons by his side, he stood staring into the face of bigotry. Crossing over the threshold, Evans was greeted warmly by the Fanny Finch principal, teachers and a spread of food. Not everyone wanted him there, but he stayed the course as the first Black educator to integrate the McKinney school system. He made great strides to integrate many aspects of the school system along with educators like Jesse and June McGowen, Jr., Reuben and Evelyn Johnson, Albert and Iola Malvern. Coach continued as an educator in McKinney ISD for over three decades. After retirement, he continued his long educational career as a member of the McKinney ISD Board of Trustees.
Along with his children, Coach taught hundreds of students in his downtown McKinney business, McKinney Driving School. With countless stories to share, Coach often taught driver’s education to the children and grandchildren of his former students.
At the seasoned age of 89, Coach continued to inspire and teach. When asked what he taught the students of North Texas Job Corps, he shared, “I teach drivers education, some math and life.” One could only imagine taking a drive with the man whose name firmly rests on an institution for students who now fall in the middle – Leonard Evans Jr. Middle School.
A Gift to the Community.
Then the righteous will answer Him, 'Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see You sick or in prison and visit You?' “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’ (Matthew 25:37-40)
To his beloved Julia (Jup), he was Babe. To Leonard Berry, Ralph and Terrye, he was Daddy. To his grandchildren, he was Granddaddy. To his nieces and nephews, he was Uncle Len. To the world, he was Coach Evans. Whether you were a part of the Evans blood line or you carried a different name, to Coach Evans, you were family.
He had thousands of children of which he invested into and knew by name, his own name just for them. His home and kitchen table represented refuge for the locals in the community, the impoverished, the elite, the homeless, the haughty and the humble. He knew about the goodness of the Lord and didn’t mind sharing through his words and his actions. His upbringing was a constant motivator to leave no child behind. If no more than a hearty handshake, a warm smile, an engaging conversation or delicious meal, his actions let you know that he cared.
Coach shared his secrets to longevity: having a relationship with the Lord, a loving family and staying away from drugs and alcohol. “People who are close to family will live longer. Love will grow stronger. When my great-grandkids are older, I want them to look back to see what I tried to do ... what I tried to do for them through family,” said Evans.
McKinney looks back on Evans’ life in awe and with much appreciation for the impact he has had on countless lives. Evans, one of McKinney’s finest, can rest assured that his family will carry his honor through future generations.
I will make you exceedingly fruitful; and I will make nations of you, and kings shall come from you. And I will establish My covenant between Me and you and your descendants after you in their generations, for an everlasting covenant, to be God to you and your descendants after you. Also I give to you and your descendants after you the land in which you are a stranger, all the land of Canaan, as an everlasting possession; and I will be their God.
- Genesis 17:6-8
He’s Come This Far by Faith.
St. James C.M.E. Church was so blessed to call Coach a member and faith leader. Coach did all that he could for the benefit of the Kingdom of God. Coach served faithfully on the Trustee Board and as a member of Ministry to Men and the Male Chorus, locally and at the Conference levels.
His church family was yet another extension of the Evans family.
Then I heard a voice from heaven saying to me, "Write: 'Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.' "Yes," says the Spirit, "that they may rest from their labors, and their works follow them."
- Revelation 14:13
Coach made his final transition from earth to his heavenly reward on Tuesday, January 2, 2018. McKinney will miss Coach Evans dearly. His legacy will live through his family and the thousands upon thousands of lives that he touched. Doing the most good for all of humanity will certainly keep his legacy alive!
Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. (Matthew 25:23)
Leonard “Coach” Evans, Jr.
His Legacy Lives On
Leonard “Coach” Evans, Jr., 93, of McKinney, Texas went home to be with the Lord on January 2, 2018 in McKinney, TX. He was born May 29, 1924 in McKinney and was a life-long member of St. James Christian Methodist Episcopal Church in McKinney.
He is survived by the love of his life of 69 years, Julia Myrl (Berry) Evans; children – Leonard Berry Evans (Phyllis), Ralph Evans (Connie) and Terrye Evans; grandchildren – Philip Evans, Shannon Hickson, Julia Loera, Tiffany Loera, Rebecca Evans, Brittany Evans, Jerame Evans and Kiana Evans; great-grandchildren – Evan Allen, Dylan Hernandez, Andrew Loera, Rekiah Evans, Leonard “Lenny” Evans, Alana Evans, Eris Tolbert, Jaila Gilmore, James Craig IV, Miranda Evans, Brock Evans and Mario Evans; Sister – Jean Jacobs, a host of nieces and nephews; numerous family and friends across the country and in his beloved McKinney.
He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, L. C. (King) Evans and Cora Canady.
A funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Tuesday, January 9, 2018, at First Baptist Church McKinney, 1615 W. Louisiana St., McKinney, Texas, 75069. Interment will follow at Ridgeview Memorial Park in Allen, Texas. The family will receive friends during a visitation from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m., Monday evening at Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Chapel in Allen.
Memorial donations may be made to the Leonard "Coach" Evans Memorial Fund to the attention of Robbie Clark, LegacyTexas Bank, 1800 Redbud Blvd., McKinney, Texas, 75069-1762 or 972-461-4763.