Coach Roy G. Walton, 80, husband of Norma Smith Walton, died Mon., May 3, 2010 at Central Baptist Hospital. A Lexington native, he was the son of the late Sidney and Elizabeth Combs Walton. Coach Walton was a graduate of Lafayette High School and Morehead State University, and a member of Tates Creek Christian Church. He was in the Navy, serving during the Korean War. Coach Walton is survived by his wife, Norma, of 59 years, who never missed a game; his daughters, Kathy Walton and Debbie (David) Burke, who so unselfishly shared him with all; his six grandchildren, David Jr., Brittany, Kelcie, Samantha, Peyton Burke and Ally Grace Walton who learned the value of family from one of the best; his brothers, Stanley “Shug” (Joyce) Walton, and Douglas (Mary) Walton as well as several much loved nieces and nephews, who admired and supported him. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Donald (Pat) Walton and Gerald 'Babe" (Jeanette) Walton. He was a loving husband; a devoted brother; a doting grandfather; a father to Kathy and Debbie - and to so many more. On the field and in the classroom, he saw the best in everybody and influenced so many. Roy began his coaching and teaching career at Lafayette Jr. High, in 1955 as the head coach of football and basketball. From 1957 to 1962, he was the head football coach at Lafayette High School. He moved to Tates Creek High School in 1967, where he coached not only football, but also girls’ tennis and basketball. His tennis teams won two state championships – in 1969 and 1970. Roy’s best known role at Tates Creek was head football coach – where "Roy’s Boys" learned more about becoming young men than they did becoming great football players. In his tenure at Tates Creek, he coached countless winning teams, including the 1972 undefeated State Champions, and the 1978 State Championship team. He also took many special needs students under his wing at TC; he encouraged them and enjoyed their authenticity. He often said he learned more from those students than he ever taught them. He retired from TCHS in 1992, but selflessly remained involved by striping the field and quietly attending games. He was a teacher…a teacher that taught so much more than the subject. He was a coach that won over 200 football games, but how he lived was more important than what he accomplished. He expected 110% and gave more. Roy took care of those in need, was a father figure to all, and a man that built and ran rental property when he wasn’t busy building lives. Heaven does indeed have a new football coach, and our legend will be greatly missed. Pallbearers for our loving coach are: Stanley Walton, Doug Walton, David Burke, David Burke Jr., Peyton Burke, Tom Calvert, Ambrose Givens, Dave Bunnell, Phil Greer, David Prater and Harry Johnson. Honorary pallbearers include: all past coaches, managers, players, statisticians, students, and all of the others whose lives have been influenced by him. Roy would have liked so many to be pallbearers...he always said that so many lifted him up - carried him - made him what he was. Visitation will be 3-5 and 6-9 pm, Wed. at Tates Creek Christian Church, Tates Creek Road. Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Thurs. at Tates Creek Christian Church by Bro. Tommy Simpson and Bro. Wayne Smith. Burial will follow in Lexington Cemetery. Characteristically, Roy often expressed the desire to help under-privileged and well-deserving students attend college. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Roy G. Walton Scholarship Fund for Continuing Education at any BB&T bank branch. Kerr Brothers Funeral Home, Harrodsburg Rd. is in charge of arrangements.