Garry McCoy died at age 73 on April 29, 2016 at his home after an illness.
Garry started his working life at age 17, joining the U.S. Navy with the rank of Hospital Corpsman attaining HM3 Hospital Corpsman Third Class. After Navy service he worked for the University of Texas Dental Research branch in Houston, Texas.
He continued his medical career as a research assistant in Gastroenterology at Franklin Hospital in San Francisco, Calif. In 1978 he earned his degree in Medical Technology in Washington D.C., and had a successful 14-year career at a private medical laboratory. While in Washington D.C., he was most proud of his work as an officer and president of a Tenant’s Association that purchased and renovated an old apartment building into a condominium complex where elderly residents were afforded lifetime tenancy at rent controlled rates. All residents who wished were given financial assistance to purchase their condominiums.
Garry moved to Eureka Springs early 1992. He had a home on Buck Mountain overlooking Beaver Lake where he cared for a dear friend from Springfield, Mo., as he lived out his life with AIDS.
Garry then worked at what was then Eureka Springs’ only hardware/lumber store. He also was Executive Director/fundraiser at the local humane society.
In 1998 Garry played a substantial role as an advocate of the quarter-cent sales tax supporting the Eureka Springs Parks and Recreation Commission in maintaining the multitude of city parks.
He retired in 2004 after a remarkable professional and volunteer career.
Garry was born in Ohio, but lived his youth in the Fort Worth area of Texas. He was preceded in death by his father Del, mother Hellen, and sister Nina. Survivors are sister Hellen and her husband, Farrow, of Nevada, sister Mary and her husband, James, of Texas, nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews, cousins, and aunts and uncles from a very large family. Garry’s family, friends (family by choice) will miss his incredible charm and sense of humor.
It was Garry’s wish there be no services. His wished to be cremated and family will care for his remains.