Gaylon Koon

Gaylon was born on June 4, 1953, in Macon, Mississippi, to Arvard Ray and Junie Ledbetter Koon. He was proud to be from Macon, where he made lifelong friends and first discovered both his love for football and his knack for telling a good story.

He earned a scholarship to his dream school, THE University of Mississippi, where he played football under Coach Johnny Vaught. Gaylon was known to tell anyone who would listen that he “led the SEC in insurance claims,” a stat he stood by with complete confidence. When he wasn’t in class or on the field, you could find him bartending at The Gin or out on the golf course. He also built lifelong friendships as a proud member of the Sigma Chi Fraternity.

Gaylon was the living embodiment of the saying, “The University gives a diploma and terminates tenure, but one never graduates from Ole Miss.” His generosity and school spirit were on full display every football season, whether he was in the Grove or outside his RV, hosting any and everyone. If you met Gaylon once, he remembered you forever. Gaylon took pride in watching once “starving college kids” grow into professionals, spouses, and parents, always keeping up with their lives as if they were his own.

Over the years, Gaylon wore many titles, THE GOLDEN HANDS OF NOXUBEE COUNTY, Lord Lizard, Dad, but his favorite, by far, was Poppy. Family was the center of his world. He is survived by his loving wife, Leigh, and his three children: Max (Conesha, John, Mason, Jackson, and Landon), Taylor (Tyler, Sikes, and KK), and Molly (Derek and Chloe). His children and grandchildren continue to live by his simple but effective mantra: “Have fun and take care of business.”

In lieu of flowers, Gaylon would have preferred a donation to the Ole Miss Loyalty Foundation in his name; or better yet, gather some friends, tell a few stories, and enjoy life the way he always did.

A Graveside Service will be held at Natchez Trace Memorial Park Cemetery, 759 US-51, Madison, MS 39110, US, on May 18, 2026, at 10:00 am.