Norman "Coyt" Woods' Obituary
Norman “Coyt” Woods passed away peacefully on Tuesday evening, July 21, 2026, at the age of 87 with his adoring family by his side after a long and brave fight with cancer. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, veteran, champion educator, and community leader, Coyt will be remembered as a pillar of strength for those around him. He was a man of high integrity, hard work, faithful values and unwavering support for his lifelong friends.
Born in 1938, he is survived by his loving children, Randall Coyt Woods and Cindy Woods Duvall. Coyt was the proud grandfather of Ashton Duvall and Griffin Duvall and was the eldest sibling of Sylvia Woods Gomilla, Carolyn Woods Higginbotham, and Shirley Woods Jacob (Gary). Coyt will be greatly missed by a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and wonderful friends whom he dearly loved being a part of their growing and beautiful families.
Coyt was preceded in death by his wife Nancy Gainey Woods, his parents, Norman and Helen Woods, and his brother Sidney Woods.
A native of Albany, Louisiana and an accomplished athlete, Coyt graduated from Hamond High School in 1957. Although recruited to the baseball minor leagues, Coyt chose to honorably and proudly serve his country by joining the United States Marine Corps. Upon discharge, he attended Southwest Mississippi Junior College and later graduated with his Bachelor of Science Degree from McNeese State University. He earned his Master of Education Degree from Southeastern Louisiana University in 1972. As a life-long learner, he continued coursework at Southeastern to complete 30 additional hours of graduate coursework.
A proud resident of Covington for over 39 years, Coyt followed his interest in education and motivating students to achieve their full potential into his professional career as a classroom teacher, coach, guidance counselor, and principal. In 1992, Coyt was nominated by his students and inducted into Who’s Who America’s Among America’s Teachers. Throughout his 33-year career in education, Coyt never lost his position on the field and his dedication to developing bright athletes. He coached football and track, including coaching with one of his best friends, Sidney Theriot at Mandeville High School.
Coyt continued his military career in the National Guard. One of his greatest memories was serving with his best friend James Williams. Coyt rose to the rank of Chief Warrant Officer. He was recognized by his superiors and those what served under him as a dedicated soldier. In 1998, after serving faithfully and honorably, he retired from active duty but continued to honor the country he served.
Coyt was recognized as a strong and disciplined man who cared deeply and compassionately about his family and friends. He had a love for the outdoors and adventure that he passed down to his grandchildren in their decades of trips to his and Nancy’s home in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Passing down family traditions, like sitting around the campfire with close families like Jimmy Yarborough’s, and longstanding family values to his grandchildren was important to Coyt and was his true passion. It was important to him to leave a lasting legacy for his family, especially for the grandchildren. Staying grounded by being physically active outside, exploring nature, taking the road trips and being a continuous learner were only a few of the principles that were a positive influence of Coyt’s legacy.
Coyt was unique and irreplaceable, well respected and well liked. His jovial spirit and devotion to his family and friends had a greater impact than he ever knew. His influence will continue in ways that family and friends will discover in years to come.
A beautiful graveside service surrounded by family and friends was held in Pinecrest Memorial Gardens Cemetery. The Woods family kindly invites you to share your thoughts, fondest memories, and condolences online at E. J. Fielding Funeral Home Guest Book at https://www.ejfieldingfh.com.
The Woods family would like to express their deepest gratitude to the outstanding care provided by Sage Lake Living Center who truly became an extension of the family during this journey.
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