Lt. Col. Michael Ray McCoy

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Lt. Col. (Ret.) Michael Ray McCoy, USAF, and Heather Arnold McCoy, husband and wife, of Fair Oaks Ranch, Texas. The couple entered eternity together on September 20, 2025, doing what they both loved – flying. Their passing leaves a deep void in the hearts of all who knew them, yet their legacy of love, faith, and service continues to shine brightly.
Michael Ray McCoy, 62, was born on August 10, 1963, on Shaw Air Force Base, Sumter South Carolina, to Robert George McCoy and Frances Spruell McCoy. From an early age, he demonstrated strong values of duty, perseverance, and love for his country. He graduated from Texas State University and through the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corp he was commissioned an officer in the Air Force where he dedicated decades of his life to serving and leading with distinction. He became an F-16 fighter pilot, call sign "Bones," and was stationed at various bases around the world. He flew many thousands of hours in the F-16 and completed more than 100 combat missions in Bosnia and Iraq. After leaving the Active Duty Air Force, Michael joined the Texas Air National Guard and continued to fly the F-16, rising to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. He received dozens of commendations and was admired for his steady leadership, strategic insight, and deep care for the men and women under his command. Beyond his professional achievements, he was known for mentoring young officers and inspiring them to live lives of honor and service. After his retirement, Michael became a pilot for Delta Airlines and continued to live by the Air Force core values of integrity, service before self, and excellence. He continued to indulge his passion for aviation by building and flying his own aircraft and taking a leadership role with the Commemorative Air Force where he flew warbirds around the country helping to inspire future generations of aviators.
Heather Arnold McCoy, 62, was born on February 15, 1963, on Kindley Air Force Base, St David's Island, Bermuda to Tommy and Dolores Arnold. Heather went to High School in San Antonio where she nurtured her love for animals, winning reserve champion in the steer competition. She went to Tarleton State University, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Agriculture and was crowned Miss Rodeo Tarleton. She loved horses and participated in the local rodeos in Stephenville, TX. She was a devoted daughter standing close beside both her parents as they passed through their last stages of life. Heather had a long love for flying. Being raised by an Air Force pilot, she was mentored by her father in learning how to fly and getting her pilot license. She loved being in the military world and excelled at being a military wife, which brings its own set of skills. She would help mentor other wives who were new to entering life in the military. Heather was a strong and devoted asset to her community in Boerne, TX. She was an entrepreneur in the business world, creating two successful businesses and giving back to her community through those businesses, offering her knowledge and skill sets to others. She has been referred to as an "iconic businesswoman" who gave to others in caring and kindness. And above all Heather loved her children. Her main devotion in life was supporting them and their many activities.
Michael and Heather were close friends while attending Madison High School together. After graduating in 1981 they both went their separate ways and then reached out to each other during their 10-year high school reunion. From there they started their journey together, marrying on May 22, 1993 and raising two beautiful children together, giving them both a loving supportive foundation to build their lives on. Together, Michael and Heather embodied devotion. They delighted in traveling, sharing time with family, giving back to their community, and living life to the fullest. Their love story was one of true partnership and unwavering commitment.
Michael and Heather are survived by their son, Gunnar Reed McCoy and daughter, Bailey Marie McCoy; and by Michael's brothers, Robert Paul McCoy, Thomas Roy McCoy and sisters, Ellen Marie Crawford and Carol Ann Smith; and Heather's brothers, Tommy Reed Arnold, III and Carl Montgomery Arnold, and sister, Lisa Arnold James, who will all forever carry their memory.
They were both preceded in death by their parents.
Though they are gone from this earth, their legacy of service, love, and faith will live on through their family, friends, and all who were blessed to know them. A joint memorial service open to the public honoring both Michael and Heather will be held on October 16, 2025 at 11:30 AM at St. Patrick's Church 1114 Willow St. San Antonio. Michael and Heather will both be laid to rest with full military honors at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery in a private ceremony at 1:30 PM Thursday, October 16, 2025.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made for scholarships in memory of Michael and Heather McCoy to the Young Eagles Program, of the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) or the 149 FW Guard Unit Chief's counsel.