Coy Orville Williard, Jr. passed away peacefully in the early morning of Sunday, June 30 at his beloved home, leaving behind a legacy of dedication, hard work, and love for his community. He was surrounded by his family and close friends.
Among his countless professional and community endeavors, Coy’s most recent and most cherished role was serving as Chairman of the Board for the High Point Rockers and Chairman of the Board for the Downtown Stadium Foundation. He was instrumental in bringing the High Point Rockers and their stadium to High Point, a testament to his vision and dedication to his community. His passion for the game was infectious and inspiring, stemming from his lifelong love of the New York Yankees. Coy also built and dedicated High Point University’s baseball stadium, “Williard Stadium”, in honor of his late father. He combined his love of baseball with his love for traveling, visiting every major league baseball stadium in the United States. Known as a die-hard Tar Heels fan, he attended thousands of games over the years. Along with five of his closest friends, Coy created the “Six Pack” Club and for over 40 years they would attend the ACC Tournament together.
Coy was born on May 23, 1945 in High Point, North Carolina to Coy Orville Williard, Sr. and Patty Glenn Mason. He attended Tomlinson Elementary and Ferndale Junior High. He earned his Eagle Scout badge at age 15 under his scout master Jim Sloop, and later graduated from High Point Central High School in 1963, where he was a member of the varsity basketball team. He graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1967 as a member of the Sigma Chi Fraternity, earning a bachelor of science degree in business administration. Upon graduation, Coy went to work for the accounting department at Jefferson Standard Life Insurance. Two years later, he accepted a position as office manager with High Point Products, where he ultimately rose to the position of plant manager. It was then that he decided to launch his own business, Decorative Sales and Service (DSS), a painting and flooring company. Through DSS, he met Jim Stewart, with whom he formed Williard-Stewart Inc. and Woodmasters of High Point Inc., instrumental forces in the High Point furniture industry for decades. In 1993, Coy met Maurice Hull, and together they formed Marketplace Management, a real-estate investment company.
Coy was a pillar of the High Point community, known for his unwavering commitment to his work, his businesses, and the people he cherished. His work history is a testament to his tireless work ethic and entrepreneurial spirit. He spent many years shaping the local business landscape, founding and managing successful enterprises that provided employment and opportunities for countless individuals. His leadership and vision were influential in driving economic growth and fostering community pride.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Coy was a passionate supporter of his hometown. Over the years, he was deeply involved in numerous community initiatives and charitable endeavors, including serving on the boards of Guildford Technical Community College, High Point Community Foundation, United Way of Greater High Point, High Point University and the High Point University Panther Club, High Point Economic Development Corp., High Point Regional Health Systems, High Point Chamber of Commerce, High Point Partners, and Premier Commercial Bank. He served as a charter member of the Furnitureland Rotary Club for 52 years. Coy was always striving to make High Point a better place for everyone. His impact was felt by many, and his contributions will be remembered for years to come.
Coy received various awards and accolades throughout his life, among them High Point Chamber of Commerce Distinguished Citizen of the Year (2009, 2023), Rotary “Service Above Self” Award, Paul Harris Rotary Award, and High Point Enterprise Citizen of the Year (2011). Additionally, Coy was awarded Business Journal’s “One of the Triad’s Most Influential Men & Women” award for seven consecutive years (2006-2012).
Among his countless professional and community endeavors, Coy’s most recent and most cherished role was serving as Chairman of the Board for the High Point Rockers and Chairman of the Board for the Downtown Stadium Foundation. He was instrumental in bringing the High Point Rockers and their stadium to High Point, a testament to his vision and dedication to his community. His passion for the game was infectious and inspiring, stemming from his lifelong love of the New York Yankees. Coy also built and dedicated High Point University’s baseball stadium, “Williard Stadium”, in honor of his late father. He combined his love of baseball with his love for traveling, visiting every major league baseball stadium in the United States. Known as a die-hard Tar Heels fan, he attended thousands of games over the years. Along with five of his closest friends, Coy created the “Six Pack” Club and for over 40 years they would attend the ACC Tournament together.
Coy’s passion for connecting with others in the community extended beyond the ballfield. He was regularly seen chatting and cracking jokes at his favorite local restaurants, a common fixture at Kepley’s BBQ, Corner Grill and The Dog House. Coy was diagnosed with ALS in February 2023 and fought with unwavering faith, dignity and optimism for over 18 months. Despite the physical challenges, he was determined to see his friends each day. The care he received from his wife Susan, Hospice of the Piedmont, and his dedicated home health aides, Jasmine Robertson, Kelsey Ransom and Avery Young, helped Coy remain an active and vital part of his beloved High Point community.
His love for his friends and family was boundless. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend whose warmth and kindness touched the hearts of all who knew him. Coy married the love of his life, Susan Wood, on February 14, 1998. Together, they raised their blended family of 8 children. He is survived by his wife Susan, children Mason Garner (Todd), Coy Williard III, Rankin Williard and Mickey Williard (Leah), step-children Chad Pierce (Rhiannon), Dana Lopp (Michael), Natalie Cummings and Amber Cummings, and grandchildren Pressly Garner, Branson Pierce, Braydon Pierce and Elizabeth Johnson.
Coy’s funeral service will be held at Oakview Baptist Church where he was a devoted member. The public service will be held at 5pm on Monday, July 8. Immediately following the service, there will be a celebration of life at Truist Point for food and fellowship in Coy’s honor. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to The Coy Williard Dugout Fund, c/o High Point Community Foundation, 410 W. English Road, Suite A241, High Point, NC 27262, Hospice of the Piedmont, 1801 Westchester Drive, High Point, NC 27262, or ALS United North Carolina, 4 North Blount Street, #200, Raleigh, NC 27601 in memory of Coy’s commitment to making a difference in the lives of others.
Online condolences may be made on his memorial page at www.cumbyfuneral.com
Rest in peace, Coy. Your legacy of love and service will forever be a guiding light for us all.