BYRON MCCOY

1927 - 2016

Nov. 26, 1927 - July 3, 2016 EDMOND Byron Eugene "Gene" McCoy was the youngest of three children born in Ardmore, OK to Raymond Robert McCoy and Thelma Young McCoy. The family eventually moved to Oklahoma City. At the age of 17, he enlisted in the Navy, serving in the Pacific Theater as a Naval air transport service crewman, witnessing the devastating aftermath of war. Gene graduated from Central High School in his Navy uniform and married his high school sweetheart, Virginia Stone, in Dec. 1946, with whom he had two children, Chuck McCoy and Ruth Anne Hammond. He studied business at Oklahoma City University before becoming an officer in the U.S. Air Force, and in his early 20's, was the Commanding Officer, Headquarters Squadron at Metchel AFB. Though he was succeeding in the military, his family responsibilities compelled his return to civilian life, and he began his career in business back in Oklahoma and Texas. Eventually divorced from Virginia, he rejoined Village Christian Church, where he met the beautiful Annetta Clark Fudge. They married in 1968, and Gene lovingly began to help raise her four children, Candy Roberts, Robin Finegan, Sheri Nixon, and Clark Fudge. Gene and Annetta created a blended family in which all six of their children were supported and cherished. Gene leaves behind Annetta, the six children and their spouses (Joan Macewich McCoy, John Hammond, Andy Roberts, Cole Finegan and Mark Nixon); as well as 12 grandchildren (and spouses), Cody and Bentley (Kim) McCoy; Marcus (Lauryann) and Ivy Hammond; Austin, Nathan, and Jay Roberts; Jordan and Rye Finegan; and Jarrett, Ellianna, and Ava Nixon; plus one great-granddaughter, Avery McCoy. Their "Granddad" left behind these words about his life and loves: "My greatest joy was spending time with our children and grandchildren, traveling with a travel trailer and playing tennis." He and Annetta have been devoted to issues of equality and justice during their 48 years of marriage. The joy, care and faithfulness he gave to his family and his friends is beyond measure and will live as a blazing legacy. We celebrate his passing into the beautiful web of Eternal Love. Donations in his memory may be made to the Mayflower Congregational Church Benevolence Fund. Memorial Services will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday, July 5, 2016, at the Mayflower Congregational Church, 3901 N.W. 63rd St., OKC 73116.