Former FPD Coach Philip “Coach Mac” McLeroy Passes Away at 86

McLeroy was the Head Football Coach in 1973-74 and the Head Basketball Coach for the Vikings for 20 years after until 1995-96 season

MACON, Georgia – (41NBC/WMGT) – Former First Presbyterian Day School coach and physical education teacher Philip McLeroy, affectionately known as “Coach Mac,” has passed away following a battle with stage four bladder cancer. He was 86.

A Crawford County native, McLeroy made a lasting impact at FPD, serving as the school’s first head football coach. He led the Vikings to a 5-3 record in their inaugural season in 1973, followed by a perfect 10-0 season in 1974.

After his football coaching tenure, McLeroy led the FPD boys basketball team for nearly two decades until Coach Moore took over for the 1995-96 season.

In recognition of his contributions, FPD honored him in 2018 with the naming of the “Coach Mac Floor” and an annual basketball tournament bearing his name.

His celebration of life on July 27, a day after the visitation at Macon Memorial Park, will take place on that court.

Beyond the sidelines, McLeroy was known for his love of racing. He drove a Ford Falcon at the Figure 8 Raceway between Macon and Gray, as well as at International City Speedway in Warner Robins.

McLeroy was inducted into the Macon Sports Hall of Fame in 2009, cementing his legacy in the local sports community.