It is with the deepest sadness that we are announcing the passing of Robert (Bob) C, McCoy Sr. at 89 years of age. Bob was born March 25, 1929 and passed on May 14, 2018. Bob was preceded in death by his wife Marie (Ladd) McCoy, his parents, Wray and Margaret (Trumbo) McCoy, his brother and sister-in-law John and Mary (Vulgares) McCoy, John’s son Ken McCoy, and his son-in-law Herb Covert. He is survived by his daughter Janice (McCoy) Covert and her two daughters Mandy Covert and Alisha (Chuck) Greenslate, his son Robert (Julia Baldwin) McCoy, his niece Judy (Greg) Gerlach, and Ken’s wife Brenda McCoy.
Bob had a lifelong obsession with good music beginning in his early years, where under his picture in the Ironton High School yearbook, it appropriately read “Maestro”. Bob served honorably in the Army as a SGT. Major 1st class. After his discharge, he teamed up with his brother, John, to form the McCoy Brother’s Orchestra. They traveled and played across the country, culminating with an extended stint at the Pleasure Pier in Galveston, Texas. Bob McCoy then went on to form his own Orchestra and various other musical combos with his friend and guitarist, Bob Waddell.
Bob continued to play professionally throughout the 70’s in community bands and orchestras in Ohio, Crystal River, Ocala, and Georgetown Florida until his passing. Bob and Rob shared their common passion for music as father and son, spending the last seven years playing together as a duo in the All Star Orchestra performing at the annual Night of Lights Opening ceremony in St. Augustine, Florida. They also played together at the Georgetown United Methodist Church in the infamous Georgetown 4 and 5.
As if these accomplishments weren’t enough, Bob McCoy is most remembered and cherished by the many band students he touched with his wit and wisdom during his teaching career. “Mr. McCoy” began teaching in 1958 at Portsmouth East High School. In 1962, he then spent four years at Portsmouth High School, followed by a 2-year teaching stint in Newark, Ohio.
In 1968, Bob began his career at Wheelersburg High School, the Pride of the Southern Ohio River Valley, a position he held until his retirement.
Bob touched the hearts and musical souls of many of his students. Regardless of the school, he elevated each instrumental program to another level. Musician, mentor and teacher, and an excellent band director are only a few of the titles he held, and his contribution to the musical arts is evident in the legacy he left behind. Many of his former students are still involved with live performing, at the community band or professional levels. Those who were fortunate enough to fall under Bob’s baton during his tenure were prepared not only musically, but about life as well.
Bob will be most fondly remembered during his time in “The Burg” where he consistently developed and led one of the most talented and largest marching bands in the area. While his musical genius and quick wit will certainly be missed, the images and echoes of those decades of powerful fanfares, script “Burg” and legendary Friday Night Halftime Shows will continue to echo throughout Southern Ohio in the hearts and minds of all those he touched.
In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that donations be made to the Wheelersburg High School Band Program in his name.
Funeral services will be 1:00 pm Saturday, May 19, 2018 at Sciotodale Freewill Baptist Church with Pastor Aaron Reed officiating. Interment will follow in Memorial Burial Park. The family will receive friends from 4:00-8:00 pm Friday, May 18, 2018 at Harrison-Pyles Funeral Home in Wheelersburg and at the church one hour before the service on Saturday.
