Emmett McCoy

1923 - 2012

San Marcos businessman, philanthropist and World War II veteran Emmett McCoy died early Friday morning. He was 88 . And a household name.

Since moving to San Marcos with his wife, Miriam , in 1972 , McCoy established himself as a business magnate and a prolific donor. He was a pillar in the community.

More than 90 McCoy's Building Supply locations have mushroomed across state lines since McCoy founded the company in the 1950s. Balcones Bank grew from one location to four during his family's ownership, and McCoy Land and Cattle Co. also grew.

Born in Houston and raised in Galveston, McCoy attended New York Trade School before enlisting in the U.S. Army in 1943. He served in World War II , leaving the military as a sergeant in 1946. After spending years at the helm of McCoy Building Supply, McCoy retired in 1997, channeling his energy into philanthropic ventures.

In 2004, the McCoys donated $20 million to Texas State University's business college. The gift was and still is the largest donation in the institution's history, prompting officials to rename the college the McCoy College of Business Administration . When the building opened in 2006 , it bore the McCoys' names. They received the university's President's Excellence Award that year. In 2007, the university awarded them honorary doctoral degrees.

In a statement, Texas State President Denise Trauth called McCoy "a man of unmatched integrity, honor and generosity."

"He led by example, and his leadership taught us lessons in dignity and humility," she said. "He was a dear and cherished friend to Texas State University and it is a privilege to have known him."

San Marcos Mayor Daniel Guerrero applauded McCoy as a community benefactor.

In 2001, the McCoys helped fund a new animal shelter to relieve stray dogs and cats housed in cramped quarters . In 2007 they chipped in $360,000 toward the city's effort to buy a piece of environmentally sensitive land now known as the Spring Lake Preserve .

"Emmett and Miriam McCoy have long been quiet, unassuming and generous donors," Guerrero said. "McCoy leaves a lasting legacy, and we are grateful for his life and service."

Sarah Lohn, a spokeswoman for the San Marcos-based McCoy's Building Supply, said that since McCoy had a stroke about seven years ago, his health has slowly deteriorated. In recent weeks, he struggled with pneumonia and respiratory issues. He died at Warm Springs Specialty Hospital in Luling early Saturday morning.

McCoy is survived by a large family, including his wife, their daughter, two sons, nine grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren.

In 1984, he and his three sons carried the Olympic torch in Fort Worth. The torch was passed from McCoy to his eldest son, Michael, then to Brian and then to McCoy's youngest son, Dennis, who later died in a plane crash.

The picture taken that day was the family's only photo of the four men together.

"It was a very meaningful thing for me," McCoy said in 1996.

McCoy's family will hold a private memorial within the next few days, Lohn said. A public memorial and reception is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Jan. 30 at the Embassy Suites in San Marcos. The family asks that donations be made to the Hays-Caldwell Women's Center in lieu of flowers.

corourke@statesman.com; 512-392-8750