"Omg Sandy I just saw this I'm so sorry I wi always remember the fun times at Barry's boathouse St Judes auctions when he bought things he didnt know and when we sold his underwear LOL my deepest sympathy. Love you guys "
In loving memory of
Michael McCoy
November 20, 1948 - July 17, 2019
Michael L. McCoy, 70, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 17, 2019, at home, surrounded by his family and friends following a short battle with cancer. Mike resided in Columbia City nearly all his life. He was born Nov. 20th 1948 to Robert and Donna (Burns) McCoy.
He graduated from Columbia City Joint High School in 1967 and attended Ball State for a short period prior to being drafted in 1970. Mike very proudly served our country in the U.S. Army as a Vietnamese interpreter during the Vietnam war. Upon his return home to Columbia City in 1972, Mike went to work in numerous positions, nearly all of which provided him with the opportunity to befriend many!! He worked as a heavy equipment operator for his family business, R.L. McCoy & Sons. He also served in the Allen County Sheriff's Reserve Corp. He taught self-defense classes to, as he put it, "anyone who would sit and listen".
More recently, Mike served on numerous committees, including the Alcoholic Beverage Commission of Whitley County as well as the River Greenway just to name a few. Mike loved to go "Jeeping" and, in fact, would volunteer to take kids from Riley Hospital Kid's Camp on Jeep rides. Mike did a little bit of everything and was, therefore, able to do or fix just about anything. No task was too tall. His positive attitude toward work and other people was infectious and unparalleled. Clearly, that charm worked on his wife, Sandi. He and Sandi were married, here in Columbia City, on June 11, 2004. Mike was instrumental in the life and growth of their children, Kelly and Aubrey. He was an amazingly attentive father to them from the moment he stepped into their lives. Mike was life and light to his family.
Mike truly had a gift, a gift to engage people, make them feel good and to make them smile. This was so very obvious in his most recent job where he maintained all the heavy equipment at Eagle Glen Golf Course. He greeted the golfers going out and then consoled the golfers as they came off and both times he gave them a story and a smile. This amazing man, patriot/veteran, husband, father and friend will be greatly missed but never forgotten!
Mike is survived by his wife, Sandi McCoy, his children, Kelly Boyd and Aubrey Lee, his siblings, Mark McCoy (Theresa), Marcie (Chuck) Bayman and many nieces and nephews. Mike is preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Donna McCoy.
A gathering of family and friends will take place at the Eagle's Nest Event Center, 125 S Eagle Glen Trl, Columbia City from 2-5 p.m. on Saturday, August 17, 2019. Arrangements with DeMoney-Grimes, a Life Story Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City. Memorial donations may be made in his memory to Humane Society of Whitley County or Parkview Whitley Home Health Care and Hospice. Visit www.demoneygrimes.com to send his family condolences online.
Tributes
"May each of you find courage to face tomorrow as you rest in the knowledge that we truly care about each of your needs and that we will walk beside you in your journey of grief. Randy Grimes, Brett Gerber and the Staff of DeMoney-Grimes Funeral Home "
"Our hearts, thoughts and prayers for strength go out to you and the family. He was a great man. He will be missed- Dawn & Bobby Portalatin"
"Sandi and the McCoy family. We're so sorry to learn of the passing of Mike. He was an awesome person who didn't know a stranger. He is in a much better place but you will always have those wonderful memories in your heart forever. Love to you, Ralph and Cindi Feuerbach-Bain"
"We were so saddened by the passing of Mike. Please know he is in a better place. With our deepest sympathy, Brian & Dianna Smith and the entire staff of Jerry's Tire Service"
"Mike touched our hearts and soul. He will be missed. Larry and Dianne Shrock"
"Sandi and family, Not a stranger did Big Mike ever meet! He loved people and had such a big heart and always looking to help whoever needed it and even those that did not know they did!! What a positive influence he was on the people in our community and this community as a whole. He was so loved here. He did so much for the Eagle Glen community and the maintenance of the golf course and all the golfers and his friends there. His happy demeanor always brightened everyone's day that were lucky enough to cross his path! Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family, Sandi. Big Mike will never be forgotten! God Bless, Greg Fahl "
"Your friends at el Azteca are deeply saddened at the passing of Mike. Always a pleasure to see and talk with. Our hearts are broken for Sandi. We love you both and you're in our prayers."
"We are very sorry for your loss, he will be missed, prayers !"
"Sandi, our hearts go out to you and your family. Continued prayers. Jay and Julie Nordman."
"Sanding & girls, So very sorry. Angie is a mess. Mike always stopped and wise cracked with her. We will all miss him. Prayers for all. Randy & Janice Hill Angie Metzger"
"Thank you for throwing great Jeep meets and events, show god a good time on the trails"
"Our thoughts and prayers are with you Sandi."
"I am so saddened and sorry to hear about Mike's passing. Mike was a great guy and will be missed by many. Had the awesome opportunity to wheel with him and Sandi...on more than a few occasions and events. Mike was always there to lend a hand, his knowledge, laughter and even his beer. My thoughts and prayers to Sandi and Mike's family."
"Fair Winds and Following Seas Sir. "
"Our hearts are deeply saddened today. Many memories come to mind but one in particular always comes back to me with a smile - I drove Mike and two other friends up to US30 Drag Strip, probably about 1965. Someone (perhaps Mike) had recorded the Rolling Stone's "I can't get no Satisfaction" off an AM broadcast with the best of recording technology of the day (which means that it was a terrible recording off of a scratchy broadcast). We spent the entire trip trying to figure out the lyrics and probably made up more of our own than what we got right. Love you always, Cuz."
"Very sorry to hear about Mike. Mike was the guy you met one day and from then had a friend. I will miss those days of stories and treasured memories. "
"So sorry for your loss...he was always smiling...cousins will miss him"
"
Sandi, so sorry for your loss. We will keep you and Aubrey in our thoughts and prayers.
Mark & Carl"
"Mike was a Great man with a heart as big as Indiana....Never was in a bad mood. Prayers for you guys during this tough time. Dean and Jill Shie"
"Mike touched a lot of lives and will be missed. He was always stopping and talking to someone out at the addition. Greg will miss his long time friend in many ways. I always enjoyed our talks along with the golf balls in the yard. Know that you and your family have been in our thoughts and prayers through this. Love Greg & Sue "
"Mike was a great man and we feel blessed to have known him. Many prayers and hugs to sandi, Aubrey, Kelly and the rest of his family during this time. RIP mike"