Gerald Mccoy

Gerald Othel McCoy, 94, passed away peacefully December 27, 2022 hours shy of his 95th birthday.

Gerald was born December 28, 1927 in Stith, Texas, the oldest son to Hollis and Velma McCoy. He spent his childhood working the family farm with his parents and brother, Burl. Gerald was a graduate of Merkel High School. He went on to study at Texas Tech University and Abilene Christian University earning both his bachelor's and master's degrees. Upon graduation, he married his high school sweetheart, Mary Nell Winter.

Gerald and Mary Nell began their life together at Central Christian College in Bartlesville, OK where Gerald served as a science professor, boys' dormitory director, and coaching the college's first boy's basketball team. After several years of living in Oklahoma, the couple moved to Haskell, TX to be closer to family. In 1957, the McCoy's began a lifetime of service to the Haskell community. Professionally, Gerald served as principal for both Haskell Elementary and Haskell High School as well as teaching physical science, biology, chemistry, and physics classes where he impacted the lives of thousands of students in his more than 40 years in education. The impact Gerald had on his students extended far beyond the classroom. His love and compassion spilled into the homes and touched the hearts of students and their families daily. While most students found Mr. McCoy's classes challenging, they also found great reward in the knowledge he shared. Outside of the school day he spent his weekends farming crops in Taylor county, sold World Book encyclopedias, was an adult probation officer, officiated football and basketball games, spent summers teaching swimming lessons, and was the voice of the Haskell Indian football team. He was known throughout his community as a teacher, mentor, helper, and friend.

Gerald was a member of the Haskell Church of Christ where he served as an elder and Bible class teacher for many years. His love for the Lord led him to serve through mission work throughout the world in Africa, Mexico, and Haiti.

Gerald found such pride in his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Some of their greatest memories of him are around the table eating his fried potatoes and sharing a "night meal".

He was preceded in death by his wife of 70 years, Mary Nell McCoy; his parents, Hollis and Velma McCoy; his mother-in-law and father-in-law, Joe and Nannie Winter; and a son Mark McCoy.

He is survived by his sons and their wives: James and Debbie McCoy of Abilene, TX, Joseph and Amber McCoy of Portland, OR, and John Patrick and Kris McCoy of Lufkin, TX; 7 grandchildren, Marcus McCoy, Jama Lee Schlauch and her husband Mike, Mackenzie Green and her husband Nathan, Jividen McCoy and his wife InaBeth, Molly Harless and her husband Timothy, John Patrick McCoy II, and Summer McCoy; 11 great-grandchildren, Audrey Kate, Mady, Hadlee Grace, Reed, Rett, Lincoln, Mitchell, Bryant, Cora, Crew and Callaway; a brother, Burl McCoy and his wife Jan; and numerous family and dear friends.

The family would like to thank Dr. Keith Robinson for his years of care and also to the thousands of students who have shared stories and love for such a special man.

Funeral services will be held Monday, January 2, 2023, at 10:00a.m., at the Church of Christ in Haskell, TX, with Mr. Greg Melton officiating. Burial will be at Rose Hill Cemetery in Merkel, TX at 2:00pm, under the direction of Smith Family Funeral Homes. Visitation will be Sunday, January 1, 2023, from 2:00 to 4:00pm at the Church of Christ in Haskell, TX.

Online condolences can be shared with the family at smithfamilyfh.com.