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Tom McCoy

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A Celebration of Life Memorial Service for Tom McCoy, 83, of Maysville will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, October 5, 2019 at Trinity United Methodist Church in Purcell. Services will be under the direction of the Wilson-Little Funeral Home in Purcell.

Mr. McCoy passed away Wednesday, September 25, 2019.

William Thomas McCoy was born February 10, 1936 in Tulsa, Oklahoma, the younger of two children born to Vernon Thomas “Dutch” McCoy and Izola (Rainbolt) McCoy. Tom was raised in Tahlequah, where he attended school, graduating with the Class of 1953 as a proud Tahlequah Tiger.

Times were tough, and Tom learned at a very young age the value of hard work and a good education. After high school, he attended Northeastern State University for two years before joining the United States Navy. Tom served his country proudly; a distinguished pilot and a true patriot. He fondly recalled his time on the USS Yorktown and the USS Philippine Sea. Being a Navy pilot was one of his proudest accomplishments, as well as one of the most enjoyable times in his life.  

Tom returned home to Oklahoma and continued his education at the University of Oklahoma, and this decision would change his life forever. By chance, on a blind date, Tom met his best friend and life partner, Carolyn Joyce Gentner. They followed their hearts and united in marriage on January 28, 1961, at the Wesley Center on the University of Oklahoma campus.

Tom graduated from OU in 1964 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering. He accepted an engineering job with Southwestern Bell. As a supervisor, Tom moved to several different locations around the state. After settling in Enid for four years, he transferred to New York City for 2-1/2 years to work for AT&T. The family returned to Oklahoma and lived in Muskogee for 12 years where Tom served as the District Plant Manager for Southwestern Bell.They later moved to Jenks. Tom retired after more than 27 years of dedicated service.

Together, Tom and Carolyn raised three children, daughter, Julie, and sons, Scott and Bart. Tom cherished Carolyn and he always put his family first. Tom was an even more dedicated grandfather. He delighted in watching his grandchildren grow and succeed.

Tom was Native American and especially proud of his Cherokee roots. He enjoyed spending time with family, traveling the country, and never missed an opportunity to watch Sooner football. Tom was a man of great integrity and faith and a member of the Trinity United Methodist Church in Purcell. He will be dearly missed! 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Vernon “Dutch” and Izola McCoy and sister, Cecilia Chastain.

Tom is survived by his wife, Carolyn of the home; daughter, Julie Malone and husband, Mike, of Maysville; sons, Scott McCoy and wife, Catha, of Berkeley, Calif., and Bart McCoy and wife, Susyne, of Sherman, Texas; four grandchildren, Zach McCoy and wife, Isabel, of Berkeley, Calif., Ashley Flood and husband, Michael, of Plano, Texas, Alex McCoy and Tenaya McCoy, both of Berkeley, Calif., as well as a host of other family and friends. 

Online condolences may be made at wilsonlittle.com.