Michael Lee Hoyt “Pappy”

Michael Lee Hoyt, affectionately known as Pappy, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, proud veteran, and beloved wrestling coach.

Pappy served with the Marines and Army Corps of Engineers during Vietnam and Desert Storm. He faced the health challenges that followed, including Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF), with courage and strength.

He is survived by his wife, Sally (Sara Cramer) Hoyt; daughters, Robin (Mark) Gibson, Michelle (George) Mitchell, Kimberly (Tim) McGaha, Kara (Joseph) Seiger, and Christina Hoyt; brother, William (Diane) Hoyt; grandchildren, Jeffrey (Megan) Scott, Amber Scott, Jeremy (Kylie) Scott, J.T. (Mary) Seiger, Ty (Victoria) Mitchell, Noah (Cameron) Seiger, Seth Mitchell, Andrew (Sammi) Edmondson, Sarah (Mason) Gurewicz, and Calli Edmondson; great-grandchildren, Danielle Smith, Hunter Scott, Wyatt Scott, Maverick Smith, Rhett Scott, Lilly Scott, Asher Haney, and JJ Seiger; and nephews, Eric, Jon (Johana), and Brian (Christina) Hoyt.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Leota Hoyt, and great-granddaughter, MiKayla Scott.

Pappy’s passion for wrestling spanned more than 40 years as an athlete and coach. He helped establish and support the Calera Wrestling Program, mentoring generations of young athletes on and off the mat.

He will be remembered for his service, devotion to family, and lasting impact on those he coached and loved.

He was our hero, our protector, our coach, and above all, our Pappy.

He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, November 12, 2026, from 6-8 pm at Charter Funeral Home. A funeral service will be held Friday, November 13, 2026, starting at 12:00 pm,  he will lie-in-state one hour prior to the service. He will be laid to rest in the Alabama National Cemetery in a private ceremony.