Ellis L. Boyd

Ellis L. Boyd, known to many as, “Coach Boyd”, 74, of Orange, Texas passed away in his home on Wednesday, August 18, 2021, due to natural causes. Services will be held on Saturday, August 28, 2021, at the First Church of the Nazarene, located at, 3810 Martin Luther King Jr. Dr, Orange, TX 77632. Visitation for family and friends will be held from 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. Pastor Brad McKenzie will preside over funeral services; beginning at 2:00 p.m. Services are under the direction, Dorman Funeral Home.

Coach Boyd worked 39 years in the education field with 37 of those at Little Cypress-Mauriceville. During that time, he served as a P.E. teacher, a basketball and football coach, an assistant principal and a principal. In the early years of his career, he started out as a gym teacher and coach at the elementary and junior high campuses in Little Cypress. Standing at 6’4 and possessing a loud, booming voice that echoed off the gym walls, he immediately commanded his students’ respect. Yet with such a good-natured and playful personality, he made P.E. a favorite part of the day for the kids. He retired in 2008 but often was the occasion when former students would greet him at a restaurant or store and share their memories of him as a teacher, coach or administrator. Without exception, their accounts always brought smiles or laughter as they remembered the positive impact he had on their lives. Some even credited him with helping them to get on the right path and turn their lives around.

He earned his bachelor’s in education from McNeese State University in Lake Charles, Louisiana after receiving a full athletic scholarship to play basketball. He later also earned a master’s degree from Lamar.

Born in Baton Rouge, he loved all things pertaining to LSU. Though a McNeese alumnus, his heart belonged to the Tigers. Many were the times he initiated lengthy conversations with passing strangers just because they were wearing purple and gold. He just couldn’t resist walking toward them and throwing out a “I see you’re a Tigers fan,” or “How ‘bout them Tigers?” or “Geaux Tigers!”

Ellis was also an avid outdoorsman and nature enthusiast. Possessing immense knowledge regarding plants and animals, he could sit for hours observing and studying them. His bright, baby blue eyes would twinkle whenever he shared his passion for animals and plants with a loved one. He also had a green thumb and a talent for creating beautifully landscaped yards and gardens.

He will be sorely missed by his family and friends.

Ellis was preceded in death by his father Ellis L. Boyd Sr, his mother Ethel Thames Boyd, his sister Joann Kelly and his brother Charles Boyd.

He is survived by his wife, Debbie Copelin Boyd of Orange and their daughter, Sophie; his daughter Laurie Moreau and son-in-law Keith Moreau of Abbeville, Louisiana; son Joey Boyd and daughter-in-law Andrea McCall Boyd of Pearland, Texas; his brother Jimmy Boyd and sister-in-law Jeanette Boyd of Baton Rouge, Louisiana and eight grandchildren and two great-granddaughters.

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