Roy Coleman Laughlin

Roy Coleman Laughlin passed away on June 7, 2022 surrounded by his loving family. He was preceded in death by his adoring wife, Elaine Williams Laughlin. They were devoted companions for over 60 years. He leaves behind his two beloved daughters, Laurie (Geoff Neale) and Julie (Neil Bomar) as well as his four cherished grandchildren: Katherine, Emily, Coleman and Will.

As a graduate of the University of Memphis, Roy was an avid Memphis basketball and football fan. His love of athletics started in his youth growing up in Crenshaw, Mississippi where he was a star athlete. The most influential adults in his life were his teachers and coaches who inspired him to become a coach, teacher, and then principal in the Memphis City Schools for over 40 years. He devoted the last 20 years of his career as principal of Coleman Elementary School and said those years at Coleman were some of the best of his life.

Roy held a lifelong belief that teaching was the most noble profession. Everywhere Roy went in Memphis, he would encounter former students who would share how he positively impacted and shaped their lives.

Roy was a wonderful father, grandfather, and had many lifelong friends who will miss him. He was laid to rest alongside his wife and surrounded by generations of Laughlins at Brooks Chapel, the family cemetery in Coldwater, Mississippi.

Memorials may be donated to a parent-teacher association at any school of your choice.

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