A former coach at the First Presbyterian Day School, Philip McLeroy, aka Mac, tragically passed away on Wednesday.
According to Philip McLeroy’s official Facebook handle, he was originally from Roberta, Georgia, but lived in Macon, Georgia.
He attended Crawford County High School and later graduated from the University of Georgia.
Following graduation, he served as a teacher and coach at Bibb County School District and First Presbyterian Day School.
At First Presbyterian Day School, he coached the girls’ basketball team from 2006 to 2008.
Coach Philip McLeroy Passed Away, Leaving Everyone Devastated
According to reports, Philip McLeroy, the coach at First Presbyterian Day School, passed away on Wednesday, July 16, 2025. However, the exact cause of death has not been revealed yet.
Katie Griffis, a graduate of Candler School of Theology, took to her official Facebook handle and mourned the loss of Philip. She wrote,
Coach Mac, Philip McLeroy was one of a kind. Funny, kind, and intense on the court. We never had a doubt that he loved us. He taught us how to drive, dribble, and shoot. He taught us what a good man looks like. Still trying to get all of my grits in a bowl, just like he always wanted. Dad gumit…
Katie Griffis
Willis Brenda Wombles, a captain at the Johnson County, GA Sheriff’s Office, also took to Facebook, offering his heartfelt condolences and sending prayers to Philip’s family. He wrote,
Another good friend gone.. Phillip McElroy of Macon, Georgia… Prayers to Family members 🙏🙏
Willis Brenda Wombles
Nancy Martin Walthall from Bollingbroke, Georgia, also mourned Philip’s loss and wrote,
I am so very sorry to report that Coach Philip McLeroy passed peacefully yesterday afternoon with his son Lance McLeroy and daughter Gail McLeroy Stewart by his side. Please pray for his family, friends, and former students.
Nancy Martin Walthall
Other close ones and relatives have also offered their heartfelt condolences and sent prayers to Philip’s family to stay strong in this heartbreaking moment.
According to Philip’s family, visitation will be held on Saturday, July 26, 2025, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Snows Funeral Home, located at Macon Memorial Park.
A funeral service will be held on Sunday, July 27, 2025, at 2 p.m. The service will be held at First Presbyterian Day School on Coach Mac Court.
Philip will always be remembered for his unforgettable contributions as a girls’ basketball coach at the First Presbyterian Day School.
Rest in Peace, Philips McLeroy.
Philip McLeroy Had Two Children With His Wife, Helon Olmstead McLeroy
Coach Philip McLeroy was married to Helon Olmstead McLeroy in 1966.
Helon was born in August 1945 to her parents, Kermit B. and Florence Bearden Olmstead. She was part of the 1963 graduating class from McEvoy High School.
The Tattnall Square Wee Center employed her and was a member of Lizella Baptist Church, where she was also a part of the church’s John Henry Clance Sunday School Class.
She was also a proud member of the Girl Scouts of America and had a special affection for babies, cooking, and a deep love for her family.
Sadly, Helon passed away at 62, on Saturday evening, April 12, 2008, as a result of an automobile accident on November 20, 2007, that she had been recovering from in the ICU.
Funeral services were held on Tuesday, April 15, 2008, at 3:30 p.m., at Lizella Baptist Church.
Philip and Helon were blessed with two children: a daughter, Gail McLeroy, and a son, Lance Wayne McLeroy.
Gail has been married to Tommy Stewart III of Macon. They are currently mourning the tragic death of their supportive and devoted father, Philip McLeroy.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Philip’s wife, Helon, grew up with her brother Wayne Olmstead of Macon. She also had grandchildren, Hunter Kate Stewart and Ty Stewart.
- His son, Lance, has been married to Hallie McLeroy and serves as the pharmacy operations manager at Trident Medical Center.
