Ema Sapp, Jr. age 78, of Leitchfield, passed away at his home on Sunday, February 8, 2026, surrounded by his family. He was born on October 9 th , 1947 in Grayson County to Velva Embry Woosley and Ema Sapp, Sr.
His biological father, Ema Sr., passed away the day before Jr was born while umpiring a baseball game. Though they never met, Jr grew up knowing the story of his biological father and carried his name with pride. In 1949, Velva married Dennie Woosley, who lovingly raised Jr and his brothers as his own.
Jr, or Coach Sapp as many knew him, was a retired Educator for 33 years, teaching P.E., Health, and Geography at the Grayson County High School, where he coached track, boys’ basketball and girls’ basketball. He ran the Girls’ Softball Program for 13 years and Grayson County Jr Pro Basketball Program. He enjoyed fishing, coaching sports in the community, lock-smithing, coin collection, and was an avid UK Boys Basketball fan.
He was a member of the Gideon’s International and Clearview Baptist Church, where he served as a Deacon and former Sunday School Director.
He is survived by his wife for 49 years, Joan Burnett Sapp, one daughter, Tonya Sapp Williams (Craig), one son, Bradley Sapp; three grandchildren, Colin Johnson (Leah), Kenadey and Carson Sapp; three bonus grandchildren, Jordan Williams, Brooklyn Beeler (Adam) and Cayman Akridge (Cole); five bonus great-grandchildren, and one brother, Dee Sapp (Elsie).
Other than his parents, he was preceded in death by one brother, Charles Larry Phelps, of Mayfield and one granddaughter, Makaylie Sapp of Danville.
Funeral services will be at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, (February 12, 2026) at the Dermitt Funeral Home in Leitchfield. Bro. Chessie Shartzer will be officiating. Burial will be in the New Hope Cemetery.
Visitation will be at the Dermitt Funeral Home from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday and from 9:00 a.m. Thursday until time of services.
Online condolences can be made in the guestbook on our website at www.dermittfuneralhome.com.
