John David McCoy

1940 - 2025

John David McCoy

November 29, 1940 - January 28, 2025

Morrisville, North Carolina - John David McCoy, 84, passed away peacefully on January 28, 2025, in Raleigh, North Carolina. He is survived by his wife, Stacie Watkins McCoy; his son, David Cooper McCoy (m. Stacy Cormier McCoy) and his daughter, Amanda McCoy Sachs (m. Michael Richard Sachs) from his previous marriage to Doris Cooper McCoy; and his cherished granddaughters, Madeleine May Sachs and Vivian Margaret Sachs. He was predeceased by his parents, Col. Howard Monroe "Mac" McCoy and Pauline Bowe "Polly" McCoy, as well as his brothers, Paul Bowe McCoy and Hugh Monroe McCoy.

Born on November 29, 1940 in Pasadena, California, John lived a life defined by service and an unwavering love for his family and community.

A proud graduate of the Severn School's Class of 1959 in Severna Park, Maryland, he went on to attend Washington & Lee University, where he joined the Delta Upsilon fraternity and graduated in 1964. His deep sense of duty led him to serve in the U.S. Army, where he became a Special Forces Green Beret and led the 536th Ordnance Company Direct Support in the Vietnam War from 1965 to 1966.

After his military service, John embarked on a career in finance. He worked for several brokerage firms before moving to Washington, D.C. and spending a decade with the National Association of Securities Dealers, which developed the NASDAQ marketplace, in the 1970's. For the next 25 years he dedicated his career to public service as Portfolio Manager for the North Carolina Department of the State Treasurer's Office, investing pension funds for state employees and retirees.

Beyond his professional life, John had a lifelong love for sports, including lacrosse, golf, basketball, and football. He was quick to try his hand at any new adventure from hang gliding off a mountain or hiking a treacherous trail, to sailing around Bermuda on a catamaran built by his brother. Having spent formative childhood years on the Chesapeake Bay, he held an abiding love for the water and shared a special bond with his two brothers through their shared passion for sailing. He was legendary to his family for his fearless dives into cold water and endless body surfing on annual beach trips to the North Carolina coast.

In later years, John embraced researching his family genealogy and early aviation history, meticulously documenting his father's extraordinary career in the U.S. Air Force, including during World War II. John was an active member of the Sons of the American Revolution, the North Carolina Society of Mayflower Descendants, and volunteered in local political campaigns.

Above all, John's life was embodied by kindness, gentleness, and generosity of spirit. There is no stranger John would not befriend, and his quick smile and innate warmth were immediately felt by anyone who met him. John's legacy of love, service, and integrity will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

His family will celebrate his life in a private service overlooking his beloved Severn River near Annapolis, Maryland. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of Wake County (Transitions LifeCare).