Photo courtesy of R.E. Rogers Funeral Home - Belfry
Belfry, Kentucky
Jan 31, 1951 – Jan 22, 2025
Coach Philip Haywood, husband, father, bandad, mentor, leader, friend, passed away January 22, 2025 at UK Medical Center. Philip was born January 31, 1951 at Prestonsburg, KY, to the late Arthur W. Haywood and Carlos Maureen Hale Haywood. Coach Haywood was a pillar of the community, actively involved in his church and Belfry High school where he served as guidance counselor and head football coach for 50 years. Philip was a man fueled by faith, passion, and purpose. Whether he was on or off the field, he lived life to the fullest - climbing mountains, gardening, skydiving, coaching, reading, grilling steaks, and making up stories.
Philip cherished his wife of 50 years, Linda Nalley Haywood, his children Melissa Haywood and Jacquelyn (Greg) Rybczynski, grandchildren Janet (Justin) Lerch, Zachary (Katie) Meade, Quincy Rybczynski, and Lydia Rybczynski, great grandchildren Andrew Meade and Raina Meade, his sister Rebecca (Jim) Valdes, and his family that has gone on before him. They were the quiet strength behind his public success. And though he often gave so much of himself to his team and community, he never forgot the importance of his family.
The visitation will be from 3 – 8 PM Saturday January 25, 2025 at the Belfry High School Auditorium. The funeral will be held at 12 Noon Sunday January 26, 2025 at the Belfry High School Gymnasium with Mike Stanley and Geoff Tackett officiating. The burial will be private for family members only.
In lieu of flowers, Coach Haywood's family wants to honor his wishes that any gifts be given to Belfry Methodist Church (109 Main St, Belfry, KY 41514) or the Maximize Education Scholarship Fund (PayPal.Me/MaxEducation) so his life can keep making a difference for others. R. E. Rogers Funeral Home of Belfry, KY, is serving the Haywood family. Online condolences at rerogersfh.com.
Read MoreCoach Haywood was a teacher of mine in 7th grade at Meade County. Fine man then and remember his wife and daughter. So very sorry for your loss.
Jackie Repass
February 06, 2025 | Lexington, KY | Student
Rebecca, I am so sorry to hear you lost your brother. My brothers funeral was Sat. at Northcutt Funeral Home in Morehead. Also, my husband ,Tom Brennan, passed three years ago on Jan. 22. Ironic. I know you will sorry miss Phillip. My sympathy is with you. Love to you
Audrey Brennan
January 28, 2025 | Cold Spring | Friend
My brother and I grew up with Philip many years ago in Prestonsburg. We moved to Ohio in the mid 60s so lost touch but I look back those days as very memorable. Philip was always the best at anything he attempted.
My condolences to his family on , what I can imagine, is a tragic loss.
Jeff Boggs
January 27, 2025 | Charleston, WV | Friend
Phillip was one of two special children of Ms. Carlos and Arthur Haywood. I’ve known the family since I had Ms. Carlos as a teacher and later as a neighbor. What a wonderful family and I’m sure Phillip was welcomed home. Prayers for Rebecca, Linda, Melissa, Jacqueline and all who love and will miss his earthly presence.
Thursa/Bill Sloan
Thursa Sloan
January 26, 2025 | Prestonsburg, KY | Acquaintance
A wonderful person that will be truly missed!
Sheria Charles
January 26, 2025 | Raccoon, KY | Friend
My Sincere Heartfelt Condolences to Linda and the Family during this time. I pray the Lord wraps his arms around you and comforts you. Coach was a remarkable Man that left his mark in a lot of people’s life, I felt honored to be one of his students when he was at Prestonsburg but most importantly proud to call him my friend. Eastern Kentucky lost a true Gentleman. Until we meet again Rest In Peace Coach Haywood.
Cindy Hackworth
January 25, 2025 | Prestonsburg, KY | Friend
Coach always expected professionalism from each and every one of us. While always guiding us to our Lord and Savior Jesus. Which was much more than football.
Joshua Maynard
January 25, 2025 | Pittsburgh, PA | Family
we are all sad for the loss of phillip haywood what a truly fine man checked all the boxes and was superb in every respect of lifes wishes and duties and demands he was a man for all seasons he was a kind smart humorist giving dedicated compassionate loving loved his family students school team great coach so old friend rest well you did it right gone but never forgotten to the family God be with you you all and to celebrate this mans life we will never see another like him The good lord...
dodie slone
January 25, 2025 | Williamson, WV | Friend
Condolences to the family and the Belfry Community.
Joe D Elswick
January 25, 2025 | Oil Springs, KY
