John Leroy Few

John Leroy Few Jr.

The Legacy of a Good Man

Sunrise: March 10, 1935

Sunset: August 8, 2025

John Few – A Life of Faith, Family, and Coaching

John Few was born March 10, 1935, in Grapeville, Pennsylvania, the middle child of six to John and Pauline “Polly” Coles Few. From a young age, he demonstrated a natural drive, a love for sports, and a quick wit that would remain hallmarks of his character throughout his life. John accepted Christ at the age of 12 and was later baptized at age 50.

He graduated from Jeanette High school where he enjoyed being on the football and track teams. John also had many jobs while in high school including working at a furniture store.

After graduating from high school, John attended Kentucky State College in Frankfort, with encouragement from his Brother-in-Law who coached and taught there. John excelled in football and track while in college and even considered playing professional football. He earned a bachelor’s degree in physical education. While at Kentucky State, during his senior year, that fate introduced him to a freshman named Dorothy Mason. Their first date was brief, but it left an impression strong enough to weather time and distance. In 1957, John entered the United States Army, he and Dorothy’s relationship grew through heartfelt letters exchanged across the miles. When John returned from service in 1961, he wasted no time—he proposed to his “sweet Dorothy,” and she said yes. They were married on November 4, 1961, and this year would have marked their 64th wedding anniversary.

John and Dorothy were blessed with three children: John (1962), Michael (1963), and Joanne (1965). John was a loving and caring father, and his kids thought of him as their hero. The family spent their early years in New York before moving to Detroit, where John began his career as an educator and coach at Cooley High School. Coaching football and track wasn’t just a job for John—it was a calling. He poured his heart into mentoring young athletes, encouraging discipline, teamwork, and perseverance both on and off the field. During this time John also earned a master’s degree in education from the University of Michigan. In 2018 John was inducted into the Kentucky State University Athletic Hall of Fame for his track and football accomplishments.

In addition to his career in education, John’s entrepreneurial spirit led him to own a business selling athletic gear, as well as a company providing Greek paraphernalia to college sororities.

Over the years, John and Dorothy moved several times, ultimately settling in Puyallup, Washington, four years ago to be closer to family. Wherever they lived, John’s love of coaching, his quick humor, his honesty, fatherly advice, encouragement, and his steadfast faith left an impact on all who knew him.

John was preceded in death by his parents, John and Polly Few, and his siblings Julius Few and Maxine Woody. He is survived by his devoted wife Dorothy; his children John Few IV, (Trisha), Michael Few (Lisa), and Joanne McWilson (Glenn); his grandchildren Indigo Few, John Few, Elyse McWilson, and Sigourney McWilson, and Shonnette Few; and his sisters Leona Jackson, Dr. Claire McKenzie, Diane Liotta, Phyllis Young (Jimmy) and a host of beloved nieces and nephews, along with many close family friends.

John lived a life anchored in love for God, family, and the many young people he coached. His legacy will be carried forward in the lives he touched, the lessons he taught, and the example he set.