Alabama Coal
Honoring the Legacy. Recognizing the Next Chapter.
Coal miners built this country from the ground up. This is where we remember them, celebrate them, and make sure their stories are never forgotten.
Coal Legends
The Men & Women Who Built It All
A Coal Legend is someone whose years of service, leadership, mentorship, and dedication have made a lasting difference — in the mines, in their communities, and in the lives of the people around them. Retirement is not required. Legends are made in the work.
Retired Coal Miner · Island Creek VP1 · UMWA Local 1509
Arthur F. Boyd
"Joy Daddy"
Indian Grave Gap, Vansant, Virginia · Born March 20, 1936
Arthur F. Boyd — known to his fellow miners as "Joy Daddy" and to his granddaughter Phantasa as "Pawpaw Kettle" — was a coal miner through and through. He lost his foot in a tragic mining accident, but even after he left the industry, coal mining never left him. He sat on the porch every day talking about the mines — what they were doing, how things worked, what it meant to be underground. He was a hard worker and a loving grandfather. He loved attending UMWA fish fries in Castlewood, Virginia, and so did the people who gathered around him. Fellow miners, neighbors, family — they all came, and they all listened. He had a way of making you feel like you were right there in the mines with him, hearing the stories of the glory days. Born March 20, 1936 in Buchanan County, Virginia, Arthur was a son of Mose Holland and Myrtle Gilbert Boyd. He was a lifelong resident of the area, a retired coal miner with Island Creek VP1, and a proud member of UMWA Local 1509. He was interested in excavation, the future development of new roads, and enjoyed spending time on his tractor for work and play. He passed away August 9, 2014 at Holston Valley Medical Center in Kingsport, Tennessee, at the age of 78. His legacy lives in every miner who ever heard his name.
The Next Legend Could Be Someone You Know
Know a Coal Legend? Submit their story and help us honor the people who gave everything to this industry.
Miner or Crew of the Month
Coal Dawgs Making Their Mark.
Every month we recognize miners and entire crews — of any age — for teamwork, leadership, safe work, community impact, and verified record-breaking achievements. This is your moment.
Broke a record? Reached a major milestone? We want to hear about it.
Teamwork
Leadership
Safe Work
Community Impact
Record-Breaking Achievement
Who's Making Their Mark This Month?
Nominate yourself, a coworker, a family member, or an entire crew. If they've earned it, we want to know about it.
Coal In My Veins. Home On My Mind.