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BORN
1938
DIED
2018
Willie McCovey Obituary
In 1977, at the age of 39, he hit 28 home runs and was awarded Comeback Player of the Year. He is one of only a handful of players who have hit home runs in four different decades.
He died at the age of 80.
We invite you to share condolences for Willie McCovey in our Guest Book.
Read full obituary.
Memories and Condolences
for Willie McCovey
117 Entries
October 25, 2019
God is a God of all Comfort and he will Comfort the Family's.. My condolences
October 21, 2019
I am sorry regarding the loss of your loved one. May the God of Comfort, continue to comfort the family.
Richard Herrick
February 10, 2019
R.I.P.
Daryn Worley
January 15, 2019
Dear family of Mr. Willie McCovey,
My name is Daryn and I am very sorry for your loss I send my condolences to the family
Janice Bucholtz
January 9, 2019
He was and will remain the most beloved Giant ever. There will never be another like him. He represented everything a professional baseball player should be. Hall of Fame accomplishments, true love for his fans and his community, always available, never a harsh word, a great example to every child, not just the ones who wanted to play baseball. A gentle soul. Stretch has been my favorite Giant my whole life. The Giants will not be the same without him. None of us will.
Dave M
January 5, 2019
Here's to freezing during a candlestick night game only to see Stretch win it in the bottom of the ninth. Sleep for now and we'll see you in paradise.
Aaron Orangee
December 11, 2018
Dear family of Willie,
May the God of all comfort add to yours at this most distressing time. Please accept this as my sincerest apologies and condolences for your loss.
Sincerely,
Aaron Orange
Wesley Chapel,Fl
Chipsorange @aol.com
Ms Mack
November 19, 2018
My condolences to the family......
November 19, 2018
My condolences to the McCovey family for your great loss. May God be with you and bring comfort to your hearts. 2 Thessalonians 2:16,17
Valenda Newell
November 16, 2018
PRAYERS
Mv
November 15, 2018
Sincerest sympathy on your loss. My father loved the sport. He knew many names. Mr. McCovey brought much joy to lovers of the sport. I know that he brought much joy to the family I am so sorry that he is gone.
THC
November 14, 2018
Sincere condolences to Willie McCoveys Family. He was a great player to be admired of. The young players today could learn a thing or two from Willie. May God provide the family with the support and strength needed during this difficult time. Willie is resting in peace.
Louie Dill
November 14, 2018
God bless your family and thanks for all those years willie rest in peace..
James Czebiniak
November 12, 2018
With the passing of Willie I have lost some of my childhood, he will be greatly missed and always remembered !
Marty Acee
November 12, 2018
I grew up watching Willie in the 60's. He was one of the best!!
John Long
November 10, 2018
I grew up in the Bay Area(Danville). In 1958, when I was in third grade, my mother took me and my brother to see Willie MC Covey and Jimmy Davenport. He was really upset that many adults were in front of my brother and I. He then stated, "Let the kids get through!" It was as if the seas departed-we were then able to go right up to him. He then asked me my name and gave me a personalized autograph! I still have the autograph in a glass case in my living room.From that day forth I was a huge fan of his! It was a great honor for me to watch him play at Candlestick! Not only was he an awesome player-he was a fantastic human being!!! John Long humbabe12 @gmail.com
November 10, 2018
I would like to express my deepest condolences to the family for their loss of a talented man, who will be remembered for his athletic abilities. May you find comfort and help in God during this time of sorrow.
Gene Handy
November 10, 2018
My Deepest condolences go out to the family and the Giants organization my thoughts and prayers are with the Family stretch RIP 1938-2018 u will be missed but not forgotten rest easy aka RIP your Legacy will Live on forever in Jesus name i pray Amen
Lmb
November 9, 2018
So sorry for the loss of your dear loved one. Heartfelt condolences are with the family. May our Heavenly Father supply you with the strength and courage as needed each day. Colossians1:11. May the wonderful memories you shared bring you lasting comfort. Deepest sympathy!
P Lynch
November 9, 2018
He lived above us on Golden Gates Heights and he had the initials WM on his garage doors. Rang on his doorbell as an 8 year old, and a beautiful women dressed in a white Maid uniform opened the door and called him over and we were treated with signed picures glossy black and white of Willie. Kind gentleman of the old neighborhood who let us kids bug him.
November 8, 2018
We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families, friends, fans and The San Francisco Giants Organization, during our loss of Willie McCovey. We are proud of Willie's many accomplishments during his lifetime. Thanks for the love and respect shown to Willie McCovey. Love, Peace and Blessings. Granddaughters, Great- Grandsons of Elnora McCovey Bilbo.
R R
November 8, 2018
To am so sorry for your loss,
May you find much comfort in God's promise that he will fully wipe out death and suffering from this earth.
Steve Watzon
November 8, 2018
R.I.P. Strecth
Marcia Kelly
November 7, 2018
I remember how excited I was to sit in front of first base to watch Willie play. I was 11 and watched him and his team play the NY Yankees in the 62 World Series. My 7th grade graduating class composed our graduation song using the KSFO Giants them
song, using the name of every player. Willie McCovey was my favorite. Exciting times! I'm sad he's no longer with us.
Linda Hiette
November 7, 2018
As a Cardinal fan all my life, I so enjoy watching baseball. To one of the greatest players I enjoyed watching as a kid. Prayers and condolences to your family.
Carl B
November 7, 2018
I was layin on beach in Santa Cruz listening to first game McCovey played / 2 triples-we,ll miss you willie
November 6, 2018
May the God of comfort grant peace and serenity to the family and friends.
CF
November 5, 2018
May the God of all peace bring comfort to the McCovey family and friends at this difficult time.
RANDY Williamson
November 5, 2018
Thanks for the memories, gone but never forgotten
Patricia Winston
November 5, 2018
To live life is awesome, to lose life is deficit that doesn't have a return. Mr Mc Covey came home with Jesus Alou one day, on the block of Innes Avenue.
This was when baseball players were recognized as being a SF Giant,not a super star. Jesus Alou was gave us kids of Innes Ave tickets, and balls.
Its' so awesome to live life, and give in life...a bat, a ball and a team captain, that was our line up on Innes Avenue as we often played daily in the middle of the street. To Mr Mc Covey's family, "the sweetest things be remembered,"
Nancy Young
November 5, 2018
To the family of Willie Mccovey. My family sends their deepest sympathy to you. Our thoughts and prayers goes out to you and your family. Psalms 90 verse 12.
Ezell Denson and Willie attended up thru the ninth grade to gather
Ezell Denson
November 5, 2018
Lewis Coleman
November 5, 2018
Thanks for the memories
Cynthia Pendergast
November 5, 2018
My sincerest sympathies to the McCovey family.
I grew up watching baseball with my dad, who had played in the minors in MA. I was a daddy's girl, but I loved to watch baseball with my dad, collect baseball cards and talk about the players. Mr. McCovey was one of my favorite players. I had his card and poster and followed him as a faithful fan. This photo looks so much like the card I had. I recognised his face immediately and his name, of course, too. Baseball played an integral part in my childhood. My dad died in 1977, aged 43, when I was 15, but I was fortunate to have my wonderful childhood memories, which included watching the incredible Willie McCovey play.
I hope the McCovey family will find peace and comfort in all of the memories you shared with your Mr. McCovey.
November 5, 2018
My sincere condolences for your loss.
C Lee
November 5, 2018
RIP Willie. You will always be remembered as part of my childhood growing up watching the Giants here in SF.
November 5, 2018
My deepest condolences goes out to family. May you have complete trust in God in the near future that under God's kingdom on earth aging and death will no longer happen. As imperfection and bad condition will be a thing of the past. Isaiah 65:17-25
November 5, 2018
Condolences to the family and friends of Willie McCo ey. May the Good who gives Comfort and Strength be with the family in these difficult days ahead..
PP..
November 5, 2018
My deepest condolences to your family in time of sorrow. May treasured memories of your loved one and the loving provision from the God of all comfort bring you hope. John 3:16
November 5, 2018
I would like to express my deepest condolences to the family. As you recall all the memories you have had, no that our Heavenly Father also has a book of remembrance as well.
M. H.
November 4, 2018
Dear McCovey Family and friends:
I am sincerely sorry for the loss of your loved one Willie. May you find comfort in knowing that God keeps those who pass away in His memory - because they are precious in His eyes.
Lamont Simmons
November 4, 2018
Rest in peace, willie... Enjoyed your entertainment!!!
Kenneth Kresowaty
November 3, 2018
Rest in peace!
Peter Lieggi
November 3, 2018
I enjoyed watching you play and seeing your baseball cards, it was a thrill!
Pete Lieggi
Rogine & Ed Couch
November 3, 2018
Our deep condolences to the MCCOVEY family. Willie was a great Giant and will be missed. He was very instrumental in instilling in us a love of baseball. He will forever be in our hearts.
Mark Marquez
November 3, 2018
My heart goes out to the McCovey family and to Willie thanks for being a stand up human being and for all the memories watching you go deep at Candlestick.You will always be my hero and we will never forget you brother.
November 3, 2018
A Giant of Baseball History ! A fine man as well as a superb ball player !
Jeff Pryor
November 3, 2018
Willie McCovey carried himself with dignity all of his baseball career and even into retirement. Watching him play over the years of his career, I found myself frustrated over the many injuries that hampered his playing time. If only he stayed injury-free, what home run numbers he could have put up. His death is a tremendous loss for the city of San Francisco and the rest of the Bay Area. He gave the Bay Area class.
November 3, 2018
My deep condolences to the McCovey family. May you find comfort from God's word recorded at Ecclesiastes 9:5,10 regarding the loss of your love one.
Tony Huffmanson
November 3, 2018
The "Great Giant," Willie has passed, but not before he made a name for himself as a San Francisco Giant. He hated his teammates chewing tobacco and spitting in the pit, so he gave them chewing gum and enforced his "No Tobacco Rule." Now he was a real teammate, curing most of them of their bad chewing habit(s). Thanks Willie, you were a real hero and leader for your team.
Rog Cornacchia
November 3, 2018
Willie would come to Fresno I wont forget kind and nice man
November 3, 2018
He a great baseball player and also brings back a lot of memories of what baseball was like.
Chuck G
November 3, 2018
My condolences to the McCovey Family,
I was fortunate enough to witness Willie playing for the SF Giants like so many.
One particular Saturday game in 1971 versus the Montreal Expos, as the right field section of Candlestick Park was under renovation by a company called Williams and Burrows, Willie hit two massive foul balls into the upper deck of right field,actually hitting the construction sign.
To this day I have never witnessed a ball being hit so far. As Willie had an 0-2 count on him, the next pitch was hit fair to the left of the construction sign and was a two run homerun. I stood up and cheered with my family never wanting to sit down.
Willie thank you for that day and everything that you gave to the SF Giants.
Oh by the way, the Giants beat the Expos 3-1 because of Willie.
RIP Willie, you will always be loved and remembered as a great player, and a better man.
Tim Gilbert
November 3, 2018
Great ball player.
November 3, 2018
Please accept my condolences for your loss. May God comfort you all during this time. Matthew 5:4
Julia Sherriff
November 3, 2018
Rest in Peace.
November 3, 2018
A ball player I knew in my youth from afar that made an impression on me and one of my Giants favorites."Wish that line drive had went over Richardson's head" My condolences to his family.
November 3, 2018
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Pam Williams Solomon
November 3, 2018
PEACE , LOVE and BLESSINGS to a winner
November 3, 2018
My deepest condolences to the family at this very difficult time
Valenda Newell
November 2, 2018
PRAYERS
Robert Grunert
November 2, 2018
Thank you so much Mr. McCovey...You will forever be a beautiful person
Peter Cullen
November 2, 2018
Willie McCovey was a great baseball talent,ambassador ,and a fan favorite .A hall of famer in his first year of eligibility and a very popular player in San Francisco and San Diego,I had the pleasure of seeing him play at Forbes Field in Pittsburgh and Jack Murphy Stadium in San Diego.God Bless and R.I.P.!
ELDERL JOE COLSON, JR AND FAMILY
November 2, 2018
PRAYER ARE WITH YOU'LL!
Mike Balanesi
November 2, 2018
I remember listening to Russ & Lon, on KSFO, the day that the "Gentle Giant" broke in at Candlestick against the Phillies.
I can still hear PA announcer, Jeff Carter, saying, "Now batting #44 Willie --- McCovey, and the fans roaring......
What an honor it was to later shake your hand!
RIP #44!
Rob Pierpoint
November 2, 2018
RIP Willie Mac! You were my idol!
fran purnell
November 2, 2018
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Freddiw Wilcox III
November 2, 2018
TO: The McCovey Family
May God Keep you in your
time of Sorrow. Thank you
Mr. McCovey for being the Best
and representing Mobile AL
You were of the Best.
November 2, 2018
Im sorry for your loss of your beloved Stretch. What a life he lived. Memories of Stretch will soothe your hearts. Know that God cares for you and your family.
Brenda Davis
November 2, 2018
RIP, Mr. Willie McCovey, thank you for all the memorable moments!!
David Andersen
November 2, 2018
RIP Willie. The hardest hit baseball I ever saw was off Willie McCovey's bat. It was when he was in the AAA Pacific Coast League with the then Tacoma Giants. It wasn't a home run. It was a line drive off the center field wall. There was no arch to the ball it just screamed to the wall no more than 20 feet of the ground. When it hit the wall it sounded like a cannon shot. Thanks for the memories.
Van & Sonia
November 2, 2018
Our heartfelt condolences to Willie's family and friends. Willie had a fine baseball career and was a great example for young players today pursuing this field as a career.
M.H
November 2, 2018
To the family of Willie: May the loving memory of your dear love one and the God of all comfort help you during these difficult times.
Jay Carroll
November 2, 2018
RIP Stretch, Saw you and Willie Mays play at Connie Mack stadium in Philadelphia in the early sixties and have been a big Giant fan ever since.
Sue
November 2, 2018
I met Willie 10 years ago. He was the kindest most humble gentleman I had the privilege of knowing. My deepest sympathy to the family. RIP Willie.
RC G
November 2, 2018
My sincere condolences to the McCovey family,friends,and former teamates
Willie thank you for your kind heart and for all that you gave to baseball
You will always be loved and never forgotten
November 2, 2018
May the peace of God be with you.
William Cowden
November 2, 2018
Willie, Willie, Juan, Orlando and other Giants made an impact on my life, and I will be forever grateful. Stretch was not only a Hall of Fame baseball player, he was also a Hall of Fame person. I know that the loss of Stretch affects many of us who reveled in his ability and his commitment to his fellow man. May he rest in peace.
November 2, 2018
May God bless the family and many fans with comfort and strength at this time of sorrow.
November 2, 2018
My deepest sympathy to the family. May the God of comfort grant you strength during this difficult time.
November 2, 2018
The great Willie McCovey,in his era were Mr Baseball, you hit that homerun that.we all got to take swing at. To the family.friends, fans. Prayers with sympathies are extend in time of bereavement .Willie lived a long and bless life. May your soul find rest in the greatest Diamond of them all "
HEAVEN ."
ARTIS AC HUDSON SR
GEORGIA.
November 2, 2018
To the Family of Willie McCovey, I offer my sentiments for your loss. A lustrous professional in the arena of sports, and in the game of Baseball, much admired. More important, his value among the human community, where he gave the best of himself to you, his dear family, and the sport he so loved. Psalms 62:7-12.
November 2, 2018
May God Bless you
Brad Cunningham
November 2, 2018
RIP, Stretch... You were one of my first baseball heroes. I once had a chance to trade your baseball card for Willie Mays. I decided not to because you were my favorite. Thanks for the entertainment, and for being a good man....
November 2, 2018
i great baseball player and a better person. rip
Bobby Schelling
November 2, 2018
My condolences to family..One of the greatest players ever, as a kid I enjoyed this great man and will be.in our memories forever..rip
Jane Lee Holmes
November 2, 2018
With heartfelt condolences to the family, and a hopeful wish for your continued happiness soon. A true American awaits in heaven. Blessings!
Allison Wilbers-Reese
November 2, 2018
In loving memory of a wonderful person & athlete. He will be missed by Giants fans everywhere!
November 1, 2018
Good memories I had watching you in the Pacific Coast league years here in Seattle. I believe you were then with the S. F. Seals ?
Arthur Rosengren
Seattle Wa.
November 1, 2018
A true exemplar, on and off the field. Rest in Peace, Stretch.
Sheila Smith
November 1, 2018
Rest in Peace Willie.
Michael FUFLA
November 1, 2018
I will always remember watching Stretch. I have all of his Topps baseball cards.
Bobby Hicks
November 1, 2018
RIP.......Mr.MCcovey,You And Richie Allen Were my Role Models
dean kuykendall
November 1, 2018
Thank the baseball gods for a man like the true big mac Rip
Ava Finn
November 1, 2018
What a legend. You will be missed McCovey.
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