Funeral services were held on 03/01/2023 at New Life Baptist Church, with a burial following at Miramar National Cemetery. Final arrangements were entrusted to Anderson Ragsdale Mortuary.
Luther Vernon Courtney, Jr. was the eldest child born in Dallas, Texas, on November 30th, 1942, to parents Luther Vernon Courtney, Sr. and Doris Lott.
Luther received his formal education from Catholic elementary/middle school, and he graduated from James Madison High School in Dallas, Texas. Luther enjoyed playing football as a youth. He also excelled in track and field. He was a phenomenal athlete and received a scholarship to University of Southern California in the sport of track and field. Luther joined the Marines and moved to San Diego when he was 19 years old.
A few years after arriving in San Diego, Luther met and became engaged to Betty Lewis in 1964. The two married in a private ceremony. Then they welcomed a beautiful baby girl in 1965. LaCherlye Courtney was the apple of Luther’s eyes.
After serving his country, Luther became the first African American to operate cranes as an Equipment Operation Specialist with the City of San Diego. Luther retired from working for the City of San Diego after 33 years of service.
Luther was known as “Papa Lou” or “Coach Lou” to family, friends, and neighbors. Luther began his journey as a Pop Warner football coach, molding the mind and souls of young athletes. Luther also coached Little League Baseball. Luther enjoyed playing, watching, and teaching the craft of sports. Eventually, Luther began coaching football at Abraham Lincoln High School, San Diego High School, and Samuel Morse High School. Knowing Papa Lou meant knowing that he expected the best from everyone. Luther prepared his student-athletes for the field and for the world.
Luther Courtney is preceded in death by his parents, Luther Vernon Courtney Sr. and Doris Lott; wife, Betty Courtney; brother, Clarence Courtney; and his sister, Judy Mason.
Papa Lou leaves to cherish his memory: one daughter, LaCherlye Courtney; two grandsons, Nathaniel Dancy, III and Jordan Dancy; one granddaughter, Chanelle Dancy; one great-grandson, Nathaniel Dancy, IV; one great-granddaughter, Nasaia Dancy; two brothers, Sammie Mason and Raymond Mason; one sister, Dorthy Dane; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and friends.
