Born June 3rd, 1922 in Richland, IN to Ernest McCoy and Blanche Johnson McCoy.
Mr. McCoy served in the United States Navy during World War II and was an instructor of Fleet School welding from 1943 to 1947. It was during this time that he met the love of his life, Monteene. They were married on July 4th, 1943 in Evansville, IN.
Mr. McCoy received a Bachelor of Science degree in Forestry in 1950 and a Master of Science Degree in Forestry in 1951 from Purdue University. He was a master educator, a professional Forester, and a professional Land Surveyor. Professor McCoy spent three different tenures on the UAM faculty department of Forestry. He joined what was then the Arkansas A&M College in 1953. Professor McCoy left A&M College in 1955 for a three-year stint with the U.S. Forest Service in Carbondale, IL as a project leader in research, and returned to A&M in 1958 where he remained until retirement. He retired as an associate professor 1992. He returned to the program immediately for another two-year stint as a research associate. He retired again in 1994 and went to work as a Surveying and Project Manager. In 1999, he returned to the School of Forest Resources as a visiting professor charged with curriculum development and writing a substantial number of new courses for the new Spatial Information Systems Surveying Program.
In May 2002, Professor McCoy was honored at the UAM School of Forestry for the Lifetime Achievement Award. The E. Wesley McCoy Natural Resources Trail at UAM was dedicated to Professor McCoy. The trail holds many fond memories for him and his family. In 2005 he was inducted into the Arkansas Foresters Hall of Fame.
He was wise beyond his education, and numerous people benefited from his council. He was exceptionally kind, tolerant, trustworthy, and loved by all. Wesley McCoy was a true gentleman.
Mr. McCoy is survived by Monteene McCoy, his loving wife of 76 years; His children: Pat McCoy Kissinger and her husband, Walt Kissinger of Smyrna, TN. Ronnie McCoy and his wife Lori McCoy of Monticello, AR. Grandchildren: Candace Redwine, and her husband Jeff, Shaun Oliver, and his wife Stephenie, Jadah McCoy, Will McCoy, and Zach Kissinger. Great Grandchildren: Valerie Andrews, Ethan Jones, Olivia Robinson, Jaden Oliver, Landon Oliver, and Jace Oliver. He is preceded in death by his daughter Pamela Monteene McCoy, his brother, Dr. Melvin McCoy, his sister Martha McCoy, his parents Ernest & Blanche McCoy, and granddaughter Jennifer Lynn Curry Rathel.
There will be a graveside service at Oakland Cemetery in Monticello, AR. by Stephenson-Dearman Funeral Home. Pastor Hammett Evans of the First United Methodist Church will perform the services. Please refer to Stephenson-Dearman Funeral Home website for Covid-19 guidelines.
There will be a Celebration of Life Service at First United Methodist Church in Monticello, AR at a later date once all bans have been lifted. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the E. Wesley McCoy Scholarship fund at UAM.
Condolences(30)
Bill Blum
Griffin, GA Sunday, December 6, 2020 To Miss Monteene and all the family of Wes McCoy. I read about his passing in the Fall 2020 "UAM Magazine". Mr. McCoy was a mentor of mine when I was at UAM for my undergraduate degree during the years 1973-77. I worked for him as an apprentice surveyor, as well. Never have I met a man so knowing, and willing to share that knowledge. He helped me greatly at a time when I needed advice on how to proceed with my future - and prodded me into furthering my education at a Masters level in statistics which led me to a wonderful career, and life, in Georgia. I thank him for his personal interest in the students around him. We all benefited from his tutelage. He will be sorely missed. May God bless you all.Sharon Shook McIntyre
Monticello, AR Tuesday, April 28, 2020 Dear Mrs. McCoy & Family,I am so sorry for your loss. Please know that all of you are in my thoughts & prayers during this very sad time.
In Christian Love & Friendship,
Sharon
Pam Stephenson
, TX Saturday, April 25, 2020 Mrs. McCoy,My thoughts and prayers have been with you at this difficult and sad time. Ray was very fond of you and Mr. McCoy.
We always enjoyed visiting with you when you came to Piggy Sue's.
With deepest sympathy,
Pam Stephenson
John nettles
Grand junction, CO Saturday, April 25, 2020 Mr McCoy was one of the most brilliant people I have ever met.. I enjoyed his classes and labs very much. One person I will never forget. I loved his wit and sence of humor. Many fond memories of Mr McCoy. You will be missed.John C. Dennis
Monticello, AR Saturday, April 25, 2020 In the brief time that I knew Wes, I'll always remember my visits to his & Monteen's house for coffee and conversations. We always had something to talk about. Wes will be missed, but his legacy at UAM and in the surveying community will last. I send my thoughts, my prayers and my condolences to Monteen and the rest of the family.Timothy Forrest
Monticello, AR Friday, April 24, 2020 Mrs. McCoy and Family,We are sorry for you loss. Prayers that God will comfort your family. Praying for y'all!
Love Tim & Diane Forrest
Tim White
Russellville, AR Friday, April 24, 2020 As a former student, Mr. McCoy was absolutely the most brilliant man I have known. He cared for his students and taught me how to think analytically, but he still had great common sense. I will always remember him and I pray for comfort for his family in the loss of this fine man.Mark Johnson
Emerson, AR Thursday, April 23, 2020 Mr. McCoy was a very intelligent, kind hearted and fair man. The years spent studying under him will be cherished forever. Mr. McCoy you are a great man and Thank You for the time you shared with me and many many others that walked the halls at UAM. God Bless you and your family. Mark A. Johnson BS Forestry 90’Lee Kindle
Camden, AR Thursday, April 23, 2020 Mr. McCoy was an excellent professor and teacher at the forestry school at UAM. I had several classes under him, including surveying, in the mid 70's. His classes were not easy but he was fair and I learned a lot in his classes. I will never forget his kind manor and dedication to excellence.So sorry for his loss and praying comfort and peace for his family and friend.
Raymond W Chisom
Monticello, AR Thursday, April 23, 2020 Mrs. McCoy and family, so sorry for your loss. Prayers for all the family.PHILLIP HERRING
Maumelle, AR Wednesday, April 22, 2020 Dear Mrs. McCoy, Pat, Ronnie and families:You are all in my thoughts and especially my prayers.
May God grant you serenity in the knowledge that Mr.McCoy is in His presence, give you strength for this time of seperation, and surround you with peace and comfort in the days to come.
In loving friendship,
Phillip Herring
Lowell F Lynde Jr
Monticello, AR Wednesday, April 22, 2020 Monteene, I was sorry to hear about Wes's death. He was truly an asset to UAM's School of Forestry and to UAM. Over the years I had many of his students who liked to challenge me with problems that he had posed to them. He was held in high regard by all who knew him. The last time I remember talking to him was there at your home on South Main when you told me about his not hearing you when you had fallen on the back porch. May God comfort you and your family and may Wes's soul rest in peace.Dennis Wells
Springdale, AR Wednesday, April 22, 2020 McCoy family, so sorry for your loss and prayers for all of you.Dennis Wells
DENISE FROST
monticello, AR Wednesday, April 22, 2020 Mrs. McCoy, Ronnie and Family, I am so sorry to hear about Mr. McCoy, he was such a kind, sweet person. You are all in my prayers.Peggy Evins
Monticello, AR Wednesday, April 22, 2020 Wes McCoy Family, love and prayers to each of you, so many fond memories of my close friends and neighbors of 37 years.Scott Lykens
Rock Hill, SC Wednesday, April 22, 2020 We think of you often and treasure the little bit of time we got to be your neighbors. Kim and I told Skylen and we had a moment of reflection together.Linda Thurman
Monticello, AR Tuesday, April 21, 2020 Mrs. McCoy and Families, I am so very sorry for the loss of your precious, Husband. He will be greatly missed. Mary, Theresa and John send their Condolences. God Bless you. Love you. Linda and Vernie Thurman.Beverly and Larry Stevenson
St Charles, MO Tuesday, April 21, 2020 Monteene,Pat and Ronnie and all of your families, you all are in our prayers. Wes was a very special man and I so enjoyed seeing him at your home in TN a few years back. We’re so glad we saw him. Our thoughts and prayers are with you on Saturday and the days ahead. We love youJohn Thompson
Duluth, MN Tuesday, April 21, 2020 Mr McCoy's passing leaves a big hole. He was a mentor, an inspiration, and a holy terror when you didn't meet his expectations. I never met a student of Wes's who didn't hold him in the highest regard.John Thompson, class of 67
Scott Milburn
Monticello, AR Tuesday, April 21, 2020 Prayers for the family. One of the finest men anyone could ever have the privilege of knowing. He made such an influence on his students and many of us spent our lives applying principles he taught us. His influence shines everyday when you look around in the forest industry. He will be missed, but not forgotten.Corinne Jackson Eldridge
Forrest City, AR Tuesday, April 21, 2020 Mrs. McCoy, I was so sorry to learn of your loss. Wow, 76 years of marriage! How wonderful to have that many years together! I know you will miss him terribly. Last time I was in Monticello I was so hoping to see y’all at church, but learned y’all had moved. I have wonderful memories of you. May God wrap his arms around you and give you peace, strength, and comfort during this difficult time.Marijo Pruett Miles
Springfield, MO Tuesday, April 21, 2020 My thoughts and prayers are with all of you . Wes was highly thought of and respected by many many people and his life made a great impact on all them.Barbara Martin
Cherokee Village, AR Tuesday, April 21, 2020 Prayers for the McCoy Family.Tom Mcginnis, MD
Johnson City, TN Tuesday, April 21, 2020 I remember Mr. McCoy and his wife well. Was close to them while growing up on the campus at A&M. I fine gentleman with a loving family.Doug McCarty
Morrilton, AR Monday, April 20, 2020 Mrs. McCoy, Pat, Ronnie and Family,So sorry for the loss of your loved one. May the love of God, family and friends carry you through your grief.
You are in my prayers.
Frank Trude
Ruston, LA Monday, April 20, 2020 To the McCoy FamilyMr. McCoy was one of my instructors at A & M , back in the 60's. Was a very nice person and always wanted to be helpful. You have my deepest sympathy
Gloria Rawls Schwab
, AR Monday, April 20, 2020 Mrs McCoy & Family, I’m so sorry for your loss . He was a sweet and kind man . So glad to have known him . Prayers and hugs to you all .Jane Jo Summerford
, AR Monday, April 20, 2020 I am so glad to have had the opportunity to have known Mr. McCoy. Great man! Prayers and thoughts for your comfort during this time. Love to all of you.Detra Abbott
Little Rock, AR Sunday, April 19, 2020 May God comfort your family while you grieve the loss of this wonderful man. God needed another angel and truly Mr. Wes is the perfect one. You are in my prayers.Lori
, AR Saturday, April 18, 2020 Poppy! Your dry sense of humor. Your sweet smile. Your wise words. Your love for your family. You will be sorely missed. But you are so much better now! Walk the streets of gold with Pam and Jennifer and all your other family! We will join you one day and we will rejoice!! Know you are so loved! Rest well my father in law!