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DONALD McCOY Obituary
McCOY, DONALD February 23, 1920 to September 27, 2011 Donald "Mac" McCoy born February 23th, 1920 in Plain Grove County, PA, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family. Mac, a career Navy man and Pearl Harbor survivor, is survived by his wife of 66 years Norene, daughter Pamela, son John, four grandchildren and five great grandchildren. A 52 year Santee resident, Mac, a renowned gunsmith with his business M1 Match Conditioning, continued his craft well into his eighties. His nack for gardening was also well known. He will be missed by family, friends and shooters. Services will be held at El Cajon-Lakeside-Santee Mortuary, 684S. Mollison Ave., El Cajon, Thursday, October 6, 2011, at 10 a.m. Reception to follow.To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for DONALD McCOY
Gayla Thompson-Big Eagle
June 4, 2024
After all of these years since your passing away, I still miss you so very much. I miss the tons of visits, the perhaps hundreds of meals we shared& then the countless bridge games with my folks, whom I still miss to my core. You were like family, my second mom & dad. Always a barrel of fun. The shared pieces of fresh veggies & fruit of your beautiful garden. Folks I Always looked up to. They just don't make like that anymore. You & Norene will forever be in my heart.
THOMAS FARRELL
October 10, 2019
In loving memory of a wonderful person. I was proud to be his friend. A Navy veteran and master armorer nationally known for his MI Garands. He always had time to help me with my gun projects and I would be remiss not to mention his wife Noreen. I was honored to aid him in his passing. TC Farrell MD Captain MC USN
Robert Kennar
October 10, 2011
It is men like Donald McCoy, who helped to keep our military strong and sharp, and our nation great and safe. Truly a model of what an American should be like.
Jim Adell
October 9, 2011
We will miss you Mac. It has been an honor to know you and to shoot your M1 Garand Rifles. Jim Adell
Doug Storie
October 7, 2011
The shooting world will miss you. I remember talking to you many times while I was stationed in San Diego with the NAS North Island team. Rest in Peace.
Doug Storie
AT1 USN (Ret)
Mike O'Connor
October 7, 2011
Fair winds and following seas shipmate. Don McCoy you were larger than life and completely humble. My favorite memory of you was at my Change of Command Ceremony. I had Captains and even an Admiral there....but an old retired Chief was the man that everyone wanted to talk to and be photographed with...I treasure my memories of you. You will be missed but an entire new generation will remember you. Rest in Peace You will be remembered always at the Church of the 600 Yard Line.
Mike O'Connor, CDR, USN(Ret.)
Monroe, Michigan
October 6, 2011
I was a doctor at U S Navy Hospital, San Diego, and met Mac at the Small Arms Training Unit. He built my first M1 and, later, another for my son. Both were re-barrelled a few times. Both of us got Distinguished. I believe those rifles could hold the X ring at 600 yds, but the shooter couldn't. What a talent he was. In addition, he was a nice person to be around and a friend. Bill Kamm
April Cerny
October 5, 2011
The many times my husband called to talk with Don he never turned him away from conversation. Always had his door open. I will never forget going out to CA on our honeymoon and visiting with Don and his wife. He asked me if I would like a glass of water and in return got a scotch and water. Thank you for your service Don and your heart. You have touched so many hearts around the world and you will be trully missed by all of us. Rest in pease. Again thank you for your dedication to serve!
October 3, 2011
Mac was a wonderful neighbor and friend. His lessons in gardening , suduko and friendship will always be with us. I will remember and pass along the many wonderful stories of his and Norene's life together. Missing you terribly. Love ya Mac. Rocky & Roland
Rich Carpenter
October 3, 2011
As a career Navy sailor myself, I was introduced to Mac by my Dad and Brother. As a Navy rifle shooter, Mac worked on my M1 and enjoyed my conversations with him. I know he touched alot of people and will be missed. He leaves a legacy behind. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family. MCPO(ret) Rich Carpenter
October 3, 2011
Mac was my USN Shipmate and special friend for over fifty years. He was an extremely proficient CPO dedicated to his duties and his Country. His love,care,and consideration for his family could always be used as an example for others to emulate. Mac, your mission has been successfully completed and as we say in the Navy,"Well Done Sailor, Rest Your Oar, and Rest in Peace".
Charlie & Marie Tate
R Dollar
October 3, 2011
Clear skies and calm waters comfort you. You have deserved this rest among the very best.
Bruce Hillman
October 3, 2011
Don was the best! Perhaps...no, the Best M1 Garand gunsmith in the country. His dealings many years ago with me were so pleasant and professional that I still look back upon them with great memories. I can only hope that knowing how many shooter's lives he touched with the magic he performed on our Garands will keep his memory going for a long time.
Megan Miller
October 3, 2011
Mac was funny, outgoing, tons of fun, a wonderful person, a great father, friend and husband and we all love him.
We miss you Mac.
Much love, the Foster family
October 3, 2011
While I didn't know him well, he was a good friend to my son and a person my son looked up to and respected. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. Shirley Wilder
October 2, 2011
Don was a good friend and a great person. Always willing to help a fellow shooter with advise and hands on help. On Dec 7, 1941 as a young sailor he manned a machine gun and with John Finn nearby, they downed a Japanese airplane.
tom farrell MD
George & Virginia Carpenter
October 2, 2011
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
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