Rodney Dean McCoy, 67, of South Williamson, KY, passed away on Sunday, October 17, 2021, at the Pikeville Medical Center in Pikeville, KY.
Born July 14, 1954, in Williamson, WV he was the beloved son of Jeanette Cantees McCoy of South Williamson, KY and the late Paul Herschel McCoy.
Rod was a 1972 graduate of Williamson High School and a 1974 graduate of Pikeville College. He enjoyed a career in the coal mining industry that spanned 30 years prior to his retirement from Massey Energy and he was a member of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church.
Rod was a standout high school athlete. He played basketball at Pikeville College for two seasons under Coach Wayne Martin. He was honored as a 2003 inductee in the Williamson High School Athletic Hall of Fame in recognition of his athleticism and sportsmanship. Honors highlighted in his induction include: All State Second Team Football – 1972, All State Second Team Baseball – 1972, Big All State Third Team basketball – 1972, All Area First Team Football – 1972, All Area First Team Basketball – 1972, All Area First Team Baseball – 1972, AAA All State Honorable Mention Basketball – 1972, All Area Honorable Mention Football and Baseball – 1971, Captain Football, Baseball and Basketball – 1972, Letterman Football, Basketball and Baseball 1970-1972, Bennett Bias Award Recipient 1972, Phil Goodwill Award Recipient 1972 and Letterman in Basketball and Baseball while a student at Pikeville College, Pikeville, KY.
While it is easy to recognize and admire Rod’s athleticism, it was those who were the closest to him who knew what a truly wonderful son, brother, father, uncle, cousin and friend Rod truly was. An only son, Rod was deeply loved by his parents Paul and Jeanette, they were very proud of his accomplishments and especially proud of the father that he was to his own sons, “Little Rod” and later in life, “Dusty.” Rod was a little brother to his sister, Cheryl, and a big brother to his sister, Christy. The three of them were as close as brother and sisters could be. They enjoyed one another’s company immensely, and there was simply no way to contain the fun and laughter when they were all three together. Throughout their lives, each looked out for one another and they were always there for one another, whatever the occasion or whatever the situation might be, they pulled together.
From the time Rod entered school, he was popular among his peers and genuinely loved by everyone who came to know him. He had more friends than anyone could possibly count. Many of his friends from the early years of his life remained close to him throughout his life. Rod’s quick sense of humor, witticism and his ability to give-and-take were legendary. He absolutely enjoyed teasing, ribbing and bantering. Nothing pleased him more than pranking and seeing his subject fall for the prank, especially on April Fool’s Day. His laughter was infectious; no one could ever possibly keep a straight face while in his presence, even when slightly irritated by his good-willed teasing, pranks and ribbing.
While Rod was fortunate to have a host of friends, it was in his fine sons that he truly reveled. He was so proud of his boys and the young men that they both are. He was also a very proud and adoring grandfather. His granddaughters, Lillee and Renlee were his perfect blessings. He was so very proud of his family.
Rod was an avid Kentucky Wildcats fan, and he loved the game of golf. He also loved spending time at the lake where he enjoyed the water and the beauty of nature.
Rod will long be remembered by his family and friends as a one-of-a-kind, singular individual who seemed larger than life. There was a light that glowed from Rod. He just seemed to be that person who could light up a room naturally, without effort, and in any situation. While we don’t fully understand just what it is that draws people to a person like Rod, we all feel very fortunate that there are people like him in the world. We feel blessed to have met and to have known him along life’s way. While Rod’s health over the past several years kept him from enjoying life in the way he had in earlier years, he is not overshadowed in any way by illness. He will always be remembered as young-at-heart, handsome, athletic, robust, strong, tanned and charming. His sockless feet in a favorite pair of penny loafers and a crisp white shirt with sleeves rolled up are as much his trademark as his pearlescent smile and charismatic personality. His memory will live in the hearts and minds of everyone who had the good fortune of knowing him and sharing their lives with him.
In addition to his mother, Jeanette, Rod leaves to cherish his memory he sons, Rodney Dean McCoy, II and his wife, Jamie Justice McCoy of Forest Hills, KY and Dustin McCoy, of the home, two sisters, Cheryl and her husband, James David Slater of Pikeville, KY and Christy McCoy of South Williamson, KY, two granddaughters, Lillee McCoy and Renlee McCoy, two nephews, Chad Slater and his wife, Dani Slater and Paul David Slater and his wife, Valerie Slater, six great nieces and nephews, Cade, Cassidy, Megan, Grant, Lincoln and Jett Slater along with a host of cousins, extended family members and friends.
The family will receive friends from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm, Thursday evening, October 21, 2021, at Weaver Mortuary in West Williamson. Please wear a mask while inside the mortuary.
The funeral service will be conducted by Father Nick England at 11:00 am on Friday, October 22, 2021, at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 411 Prichard Street, Williamson, WV. A mask must be worn in order to enter the church, and it must remain in place at all times while inside the church. Everyone is ask to kindly social distance as much as possible while inside the church as well.
Interment is in the Mountain View Memory Gardens at Huddy, KY.
Active pallbearers include Steve Cantees, Dominic “Dee” Gentile, Jimmy Kent Kerr, Dustin McCoy, Rodney D. McCoy, II, Cade Slater, Chad Slater, Grant Slater, James David Slater and Paul David Slater. Honorary pallbearer include Doug Adkins, Mike Deskins, Hercel Hensley, David Norris and all of Rodney’s female friends.
In lieu of flowers the family respectfully requests that memorial contributions in Rod’s memory be made to St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 411 Prichard Street, Williamson, WV 25661.
Weaver Mortuary of West Williamson is serving the McCoy family.
