William Thomas McCoy

Tom McCoy, age 83 of Maysville, passed away Wednesday, September 25, 2019. William Thomas McCoy was born February 10, 1936 in Tulsa, Oklahoma, the younger of two children born to Vernon Thomas "Dutch" McCoy and Izola (Rainbolt) McCoy. Tom was raised in Tahlequah, where he attended school, graduating with the Class of 1953 as a proud Tahlequah Tiger. Times were tough, and Tom learned at a very young age the value of hard work and a good education. After high school, he attended Northeastern State University for two years before joining the United States Navy. Tom served his country proudly; a distinguished pilot and a true patriot. He fondly recalled his time on the USS Yorktown and the USS Philippine Sea. Being a Navy pilot was one of his proudest accomplishments, as well as one of the most enjoyable times in his life. Tom returned home to Oklahoma and continued his education at the University of Oklahoma, and this decision would change his life forever. By chance, on a blind date, Tom met his best friend and life partner, Carolyn Joyce Gentner. They followed their hearts and united in marriage on January 28, 1961, at the Wesley Center on the University of Oklahoma campus. Tom graduated from OU in 1964 with a Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering. He accepted an engineering job with Southwestern Bell. As a supervisor, Tom moved to several different locations around the state. After settling in Enid for 4 years, he transferred to New York City for 2 and a half years to work for AT&T. The family returned to Oklahoma and lived in Muskogee for 12 years where Tom served as the District Plant Manager for Southwestern Bell. They later moved to Jenks. Tom retired after more than 27 years of dedicated service. Together, Tom and Carolyn raised 3 children, daughter, Julie and sons, Scott and Bart. Tom cherished Carolyn and he always put his family first. Tom was an even more dedicated grandfather. He delighted in watching his grandchildren grow and succeed. Tom was Native American and especially proud of his Cherokee roots. He enjoyed spending time with family, traveling the country, and never missed an opportunity to watch Sooner football. Tom was a man of great integrity and faith and a member of the Trinity United Methodist Church in Purcell. He will be dearly missed! He was preceded in death by: His parents, Vernon "Dutch" and Izola McCoy and Sister, Cecilia Chastain. Tom is survived by: His wife, Carolyn of the home; Daughter, Julie Malone and husband Mike of Maysville; Sons, Scott McCoy and wife Catha of Berkeley, CA and Bart McCoy and wife Susyne of Sherman, TX; 4 grandchildren, Zach McCoy and wife Isabel of Berkeley, CA, Ashley Flood and husband Michael of Plano, TX, Alex McCoy and Tenaya McCoy, both of Berkeley, CA As well as a host of other family and friends. A Celebration of Life Memorial Service is scheduled for 11:00 A.M. Saturday, October 5, 2019, at the Trinity United Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers, the family request donations to United Methodist Circle of Care, 1501 N.W. 24th St., Oklahoma City, OK, 73106

William Thomas McCoy

February 10, 1936 - September 25, 2019