Kenneth Wayne McCoy, Sr.

Kenneth Wayne McCoy, Sr., age 78, of Pensacola, passed away on Tuesday, November 6, 2012, at his home. Ken was born March 22, 1934, in Brownfield, Mississippi. He was the youngest of three sons born to Douglas Vardeman & Lillye (Paseur) McCoy. He grew up and attended school in Walnut, Mississippi. He graduated from Northeast Mississippi Junior College in Booneville, Mississippi before joining the military. From 1954 until 1968 he proudly served in the United States Navy and in the Marine Corps as a helicopter and aircraft pilot, serving overseas during the Vietnam War. He received The National Defense Service Medal, Vietnamese Service Medal, 2 Air Medals, Navy Commendation Medal with Valor, Naval Unit Commendation, Vietnamese Campaign Medal, Rifle Sharpshooter Badge and the award he was so proud of - The Pistol Expert Badge. Ken married Margaret (Peggy) Moen on November 21, 1960 in El Toro, California. They were stationed in California, Tennessee and Hawaii before he went to Vietnam to serve as a H-34 helicopter pilot. He started his military career in Pensacola for flight training, returned to Pensacola after Vietnam as a Land Survival Instructor where he subsequently retired. He and Peggy loved Pensacola so much they remained for the last 46 years. In 1968, upon retirement from the Marine Corps he started Air Tool Company based on his love for tinkering with air compressors and air tools. Air Tool Company has now been in business for 45 years and Ken could always be found at the counter greeting customers and offering a helping hand to everyone who came along. Ken thoroughly enjoyed his family, friends and dear little dog Marla. He had a witty sense of humor, loved music, hot sauce and the morning comic strips. Reading was one of his favorite pastimes, especially biographies and non-fiction. He had the ability to make anyone laugh with a silly joke or a funny comment. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Joe Nathan McCoy. Ken is survived by his wife, Margaret (Peggy) Moen McCoy; children, Kenneth McCoy, Jr. of Pensacola, FL; Marcia McCoy Wallace (Timothy Reilly) of Pensacola, FL; and Earl McCoy (Melissa Read McCoy) of Orlando, FL; grandchildren, Lillye Margaret and John (Jack) Patrick Reilly; brother, Richard and many beloved nephews and nieces. GATHERING OF FAMILY AND FRIENDS: Visitation will be at Faith Chapel South on Thursday, November 8, 2012 from 6:00 to 8:00pm. Service will be held on Friday, November 9, 2012 at 9:30am with a brief visitation starting at 9am. Dr. Alton Butler will officiate. Interment with full military honors in Barrancas National Cemetery will follow immediately after the service. FAITH CHAPEL FUNERAL HOME SOUTH is in charge of arrangements. You may express your condolences online at www.fcfhs.com

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Kenneth Wayne McCoy, Sr.

March 22, 1934 - November 6, 2012