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Luke McCoy Obituary
(Luke McCoy)
Luther R. (Luke) Eason, known to most of Pensacola as Luke McCoy, passed away at his home in N. Augusta, SC on Jan. 15, 2016.
He was born Dec. 6, 1939, in Birmingham, AL and moved to Pensacola in 1956, graduating from Pensacola High School in 1957.
Luke proudly served in the US Army's 82nd Airborne Division and later in the US Marine Corps. He saw combat in Vietnam and was awarded the Purple Heart for injuries sustained in that conflict.
Luke's radio broadcasting career began in the 60s and spanned 40 years. He was a familiar voice to many at stations in Cincinnati, Denver, Chattanooga, and most notably Pensacola (WBSR, WNVY, WOWW, WXBM & WCOA). He went on the air at WCOA in 1993, first as a co-host on the morning news program and later as host of "Pensacola Speaks" in the afternoons. He retired from radio in Dec., 2008, and moved to SC, his wife's former home. Luke took great pride in his radio career and if possible, would have remained in headphones behind a microphone until the end.
He had a passion for motorcycles and enjoyed nothing more than taking to the road on his bike to explore The Great Smoky Mountains. He rode as long as his health permitted and then traded his bike in on a Mustang convertible. He still longed for the power of the ride and the thrill of the wind in his face.
Luke was preceded in death by his parents, Marvin and Juanita Eason. He is survived by his wife, Katherine Felton Eason of N. Augusta, SC; son, Michael Holzapfel (Roxana) of Tempe, AZ; daughers Sarah Paige (Michael) and Jeanie Cossman of Pensacola; grandchildren Cassidy Paige, Emma Cossman and Alex Cossman, all of Pensacola; sister, Bonnie Eason Alverson, Gulf Breeze; brother, Benjamin L. Eason (Barbara) of Arlington, VA; a nephew and 4 nieces.
A memorial service will be held at the National Aviation Memorial Chapel aboard Pensacola Naval Air Station on Thursday, Jan. 28, 2016, at 10:00 AM, with a military funeral honors ceremony immediately following at Barrancas National Cemetery.
RIP our beloved Luke McCoy.
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Memories and Condolences
for Luke McCoy
Richard & Bettye Donley
January 31, 2016
Our Deepest Sympathy to all the Luther "RED" Eason Family. Luther was a great Vietnam War Hero and Veteran and Brother. Luther was also a great friend of mine as we were Guards on the PHS football team in 56 and 57. Luther was a Gentle Giant and always smiling everywhere and never met an enemy. God Bless Luther Eason and may he rest in Peace until we meet again and talk about the War we were in. His picture is on page 43 of our PHS Annual of 57 and the third page of the Football Section. I will see you at Barrancas National Cemetery. Love you my Brother.
Joy & David Jackson
January 29, 2016
REST IN PARADISE LUKE.
You will be missed.
Kathy & family, you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Kathy Elliott
January 28, 2016
God bless each and everyone, the firsts are always the hardest, but with time and each day they do get easier. My prayers are with you all. I am honored to have known Luke McCoy, he will always be remembered. God bless.
Marty Marini
January 28, 2016
I listened to Luke just about every day and knew he was a good man. I only meet him once or twice but will miss him as if he were a close friend.
Sam Snow
January 28, 2016
I grew up listening to Luke. I always loved his shows. He is greatly missed. May he Rest in Peace.
Victoria&Sarah Pence
January 27, 2016
He lived next door to my daughter and me several yrs ago...a real 'character'. He'll be missed, I'm sure.
My condolences to the family.
Sheila W
January 27, 2016
My Deepest Condolences to Mr. Luke's family & friends.
Like many others, I came of age listening to Luke McCoy and the new era of music on WBSR. He was always cool in our eyes even though we didn't know him personally.
Wayne M
January 27, 2016
I knew "Luke" from outside the radio stations, but whatever station he was on was my favorite station. He knew my son from 5 flags speedway, and, always asked about about him in our long ago meetings, talking about motorcycles, and law enforcement, and stuff that we talked about. When Luke "left" Cumulus, I did too.
Lord love you Luke...We did.
Henry Coe
January 27, 2016
RIP Luke. Thank you for your service to our country and thanks for lending your voice to my advertising.
Michelle Rader
January 27, 2016
Luke McCoy and Don Parker kept me laughing on my way to work many years ago. Semper Fi to a fine man.
January 27, 2016
I met Luke only once, but hearing him on the radio made me look forward to 4:00! He was a great American and I've missed him. Rest in Peace.
Anita Moss
January 27, 2016
It is very sad to hear that we will no longer hear you on the radio. Luke McCoy you will be remembered by many. R.I.P. My Condolences to the family.
January 27, 2016
Semper Fi Brother! May you rest in peace
January 27, 2016
Semper Fi! Brother
Ilah Paige
January 27, 2016
Sarah,
Lee and I are so sorry for your loss. You are and have been in our prayers. We love you.
Vi Hall-Brown
January 27, 2016
Rest in Peace Dear Luke. My dear Kathy my thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of sorrow.
Bruce Merritt
January 27, 2016
I can still hear his voice. Rest In Peace Luke.
Mike K
January 27, 2016
I'm truly sorry your loss, He was a true gem to Pensacola. I always enjoyed listening to him on the radio. God Bless.
January 27, 2016
A piece of my childhood is now in Heaven.
Rest In Peace
Mary Ann Morgan
January 27, 2016
As Becky said I too listened to you on WBSR everyday and you were the Best. RIP Mr. Luke.
Becky Wilken
January 27, 2016
RIP Luke! I grew up listening to you on WBSR! You were the best! Prayers and condolences to your family and friends.
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