Coy Yancey Obituary

Coy Yancey, was born Jan. 4, 1925 in a railroad boxcar near Bear Creek, Alabama to George ThomasYancey and Josie Pauline Birdyshaw Yancey. He was their 3rd son. His family hired out to farmers to work their fields. At age 18 he married Lillian Marie Hudson (age 15). They were married for over 50 years. Coy entered the Army and served during World War II. At about the time of his 20th birthday, he was captured and then escaped from the Germans. After the Army he joined the Army-Air Corps which later became the Air Force. He retired from the Air Force Jan 17, 1972 at the rank of Senior Master Sargent. While in the military he worked in electronics for airplanes. For many years he was an instructor for pilots and airman. After his military retirement he started working for the U.S. Post Office. He was a mail carrier out of the Sherwood South Post Office on Stapley in Mesa. He was and still is the only mail carrier in the history of Mesa that had a retirement party given him by the customers on his route. He retired on June 6,1988 after 14 years. Next stop for him was a bus stop. He drove a school bus for the Mesa School district for 10 years. Coy retired from driving when his wife, Lillian , became seriously ill. Coy has been active in the valley square dance community for many years. As a couple Coy and Lillian were members of the Sagebrush Squares and Cut-ups. Coy was the last remaining charter member of the Checkmates. After Lillian's death in 1993, he became active in the Valley Single Squares and the Grand Canyon State Square Dance Association. He was a past member of the National Square Dance Campers Association. Coy was a member of the Masonic Lodge and a 32nd degree Mason. He was also a member of the XYZ Sunday School class of Grace Community Church in Tempe. Coy is preceded in death by his parents (Tommy and Pauline), brothers L.B. and Guy, and his wife Lillian Marie Hudson Yancey. He is survived by daughters Carol (Ken) Dingee and di'Anne MacNeil of Mesa. Grand-daughters Jiri Erickson of Scottsdale and Lindsey MacNeil of Mesa. Sister Tomaline (Lee) Pope of Trion, Georgia, brother W.L. (Dorothy) Yancey of Havana, Florida. Also many nieces, nephews, and cousins. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Hospice of the Valley, 1510 E. Flowers St., Phoenix, Az 85014-5656. Visitation is 4:00pm on Friday, March 31, 2006 at Valley of the Sun Mortuary 10940 E. Chandler Heights Rd. Chandler, AZ 85248. Service is 1:00pm on Saturday, April 1, 2006 at Valley Of the Sun Mortaury with a Graveside Service to follow.

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Published by The Arizona Republic on Mar. 31, 2006.

Memories and Condolences
for Coy Yancey

8 Entries

David Clare

April 10, 2006

Coy symbolised all that was best about the American character...warm, open, honest and unpretentious. I will always treasure the memories of the wonderful times I spent with the family on my visits from the UK.

David...Rochester, Kent, England

Sue & Bobby Sharp

April 1, 2006

We are really going to miss Coy at the dances. He always had a smile and a cheerful word for everyone.

Sharon Gilbert-Wise

April 1, 2006

We are given the gift of life,

By the Father up above.

Walking day to day,

In the presence of His love.

We ask our Heavenly Father,

To show us day to day,

How to live our life on earth,

To please Him in every way.

When our life on earth is done,

Then our Heavenly Father above,

Will take us to His Ivory Palace,

To live eternally, in the presence of His love.

We must trust our Heavenly Father,

When He takes our loved ones away,

Knowing that this was part of His plan,

That He had from the very first day.

I have known Coy for many years and

during those years he contributed so much to square dancing. No matter what ailments Coy may have had, when you would ask him how he was doing, his answer always was "smashing". Coy's friendly ways and his "smashing" smile will be missed by us all. My condolences to his family.

Senda Casada

April 1, 2006

My deepest sympathies to you and your family - sorry to hear of your loss.

Senda Casada Valley Single Squares Class Leader 2005 - 2006

Jerene & Bill Knicker

April 1, 2006

We will miss Coy at the square dances. It was a pleasure knowing him.

Bob Bennett

April 1, 2006

I met Coy while learning to square dance. He was a real gentleman and eager to help. Instead of criticizing he was always able to get me back on track and keep the square moving in the right direction. Coy was always courteous and helpful and will be sadly missed by his many personal and square dance friends.

Anne Barker

March 31, 2006

I haven't known Coy for very long but I certainly hope that, where he is now, everything is "smashing."

Deb O'Grady

March 31, 2006

Coy was my letter carrier prior to his retirement and a co-worker as I am a soon to be retired clerk at the Mesa post office. He was so loved on his route and many of his customers have passed away, the old neighborhood has changed drastically since his retirement. I can still see him on his bicycle and my heart is with his family at this difficult time.

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