Gene Paul McCoy

March 18, 2024

CHARLOTTE – Gene Paul McCoy, 92, passed away Monday, March 18, 2024. 

Gene was born in Huntington, WV to the late Orville Randall McCoy and Marguerite Auvil McCoy. He graduated from Vinson High School and Marshall University with a degree in Geology. He worked for the Corps of Engineers in Huntington as an Engineering Geologist. He also was commisioned as an Ensign in the Navy, serving in Hawaii during the post Korean War period, and then in the Naval Reserves, retiring as a Commander.

Gene met his wife, Sally Harris, when she was 16 years old, and they were longtime sweethearts, eventually marrying in Hawaii in 1954. After they returned to Huntington, they started their family, and later moved to Charlotte to be closer to their girls and grandchildren. Faith and family were always Gene's priority in life. He served as a Sunday School Teacher, Youth Group Leader, and Board of Trustee Member, as he and Sally were faithful members of Westmoreland United Methodist Church, Johnson Memorial United Methodist Church, and Providence United Methodist Church. In their later years, Gene and Sally moved to The Cypress of Charlotte where they enjoyed the activities and the many friendships they developed.

Gene was preceded in death by Sally, his loving wife of 68 years. He is survived by his daughters, Lea McCoy Morrison and her husband Darrell of Charlotte, and Lisa McCoy Pendergrass and her husband, Jim of Raleigh; three grandsons, Tyler Morrison and his wife, Sherilyn of Charlotte, Connor Pendergrass and his wife, Elizabeth of Washington, DC, and Blake Pendergrass of Nashville, TN, and a great-grandson, Harris Morrison, son of Tyler and Sherilyn. Gene also has several nieces and nephews, Becky Jenkins and her husband, Tom of WV, David McCoy and his wife, Wanda of VA, and Tim McCoy and his wife, Susan of VA, along with a cousin, Sue Foster of VT.

A celebration of Gene’s life will be held 11:00 AM on Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Providence United Methodist Church, 2810 Providence Road, Charlotte, NC. The family will receive friends following the service. For those unable to attend, a livestream link is available here.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Providence United Methodist Church.

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Avenue, Charlotte, NC 28204 (704) 641-7606. Online condolences can be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.

 

Share your memories & condolences

Comments

  • Sheila Evans

    Gene and I grew up in the same hometown, Huntington, WV, and went to the same junior high and high school. He was a few years ahead of me in school. but I knew who he was. I did not know Sally before they moved here to the Cypress, but she was also from Huntington, and was a good friend and a very lovely lady. Gene and I ended up being croquet partner for several years, and he was an extremely nice person and a good friend. He had a very kind personality and was enjoyable to be around. He will be missed by all who knew him.
    Sheila Evans, Charlotte

    Short URL:
  • Carolyn Boylan

    Thinking of you.

    Short URL:
  • Mary Alice Adams

    I first met Gene at The Cypress on the Croquet court, where Gene was an excellent player. Later on Gene became a valued member of our Trivia Team. Although I didn't know Gene that long in terms of years, he was a dear friend whom I treasured. Gene was a good man. I will miss him. Deepest condolences to his children and family.

    Short URL:
  • Hannah Dulleh

    Am use to calling you Mr. McCoy.
    I miss you dear, we miss you at health center, we love you but God loved you best.
    I know you are in a better place now looking and watching over your family, the few months I
    took care of you, make me feel like I am your daughter. And am happy to be the list person to
    take of you the night you went to meet the lord. May Paradise be your home dearest.

    Short URL:
  • Becky and Tom Jenkins

    We will greatly miss Uncle Gene.

    Short URL: