Name: Edwards Funeral Home
Address: Fort Smith, AR

I only met Dr. MCCoy in August 2019 when I flew to Ft. Smith. My sister had a heart attack and had heart surgery.  Dr. MCCoy performed her surgery and saved her life.  A few weeks later my sister had fluid on her lungs.  She had a procedure where they had to take the fluid off her lungs , but punched a hole in her lung during the procedure.  She was admitted to the hospital in serious condition. She was on a ventilator and needed 20 units of blood and almost died.  Again.  Dr. MCCoy saved her life again.   Before my sisters first surgery, I had so many questions.  Dr. MCCoy was so pleasant and let me grill him for questions. I thank him for saving my sisters life.  She is doing well.  I am so sorry to hear of his loss.  I’m so sad and send prayers to the family.  Thank You Dr. MCCoy for all you have done for my sister and to all the lives you have saved.  

I don’t have the words to express my shock and dismay upon hearing from Cheryl about Mark. I was a junior faculty member at UF where he did his General Surgery residency. During his ATLS course his name badge said David which he said his friends called Mark. From that point on we became friends. We also shared a love of dogs and most southern things. Upon completion of his training and entering into his CV fellowship I made several trips to Charleston where we would just chat and let him unburden himself of the pressures of what he was going through.  I was aware of his falling in love and was able to attend his marriage . Upon the birth of his son he asked if I would be his godfather and he would be named in part after me.  Truly we were brothers from different parents.  Over the ensuing years with tragedies and some happy times we got together and always kept planning more visits. Sunday before he died we were texting about a planned trip in the fall. As friends and colleagues I can’t think of a greater physician and surgeon, who always put humanity above himself, at all costs. I am numb, not only for myself but his family and those who won’t have one of GODs angels to care for them. I know our souls will reconnect when I am called home as you have made a bridge to cross over. As you Rest In Peace and welcomed by our savior Mark know you could not have been more loved and respected by those who were lucky enough to be allowed to share your life and friendship .
Keith
R. Keith Bailey, MD

I am so very sorry to hear of his passing. I worked with Dr. McCoy at St. Edward. He was incredibly kind to me.  I remember his smile and laugh and the way he took the time to answer questions or explain things when I was new to ICU.  I am praying for his family, as the world is a little darker without him in it. 

Cheryl,  just heard about your beloved Husband.  I am so sorry for your loss.  You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Michelle Johnson
Bentonville, AR

I have always had the greatest of respect for Mark.  I don’t think I would ever consider us close but he was always friendly and kind to me.  I will always remember his as the go to guy if someone needed a bypass.

He has touched thousands and thousands of lives throughout his career.  He will be greatly missed.

Joe Queeney, D.O., F.A.C.O.S.

Mark covered my practice in Terre Haute, IN. I enjoyed his calm personality and the patients really liked him. On March 16th at the end of the shift he texted with me in the morning. “All quiet and to take care of myself”. I am so sad I didn’t get the chance to meet his family or spend more time with him. Our practice of cardio thoracic surgery takes us away from family and friends. Perhaps we need to pause and reflect. Now, we are doing it because we have to. Things will change for all of us. To Mark’s family, my condolences, and I want  you to know that he was very proud of all of you.  
His colleague, Eduardo Esper. 

Cheryl,  Charles and I send you and your family our heartfelt condolences on your loss of Mark.  He was great to work with and we will always remember his collegiality and kindness toward his patients. I pray God’s comfort and peace for you all.  

Dr. McCoy did my open heart surgery in July 2017. He was a true man of God and he so blessed my wife and I with his prayer times with us. We talked about music as we had been traveling and singing for 12 years, we talked about the Goodman's and that I was related to Vestal and what a wonderful lady she was. Dr. McCoy was one wonderful man of God and now he can rest by the river of life and just bask in the love of God!!!! You are all in our prayers!!!!!
Ferrell & Lisa Freeman

Dr McCoy did my bypass surgery July 10th 2019 he was a very nice man and a very good surgeon we are very sorry for his loss

Dr McCoy was the best.  I loved working with him at Mercy and saw first hand how passionate he was that everyone have a chance, even those most riskiest.  You could easily see the compassion in his eyes and how much he fought for his patients. He was good to his staff and was nice to staff.  He was easy to work for and easy to learn from. I will never forget his pranks or how much he loved to grill. I still remember the contest in ICU to see who could eat the most Diablo wings. I was an admitted spectator that day but I will never forget it. He will be remembered fondly and will be missed a great deal. I'm going to miss you "old goat".

Mark was such a wonderful man. He took his responsibilities to his patients very seriously. He was always willing to help in any way he could. When we worked together, I told him that,  it drove me crazy sometimes that he always, always did the right thing. No matter how busy or overworked we were, he still would take care of everyone.  
He was always a pleasure to work with and was so supportive of me when I had some tradegies in my own personal life. 
I know he loved his family so very much.  He would send pictures of the kids to me, and I would send him pics of my grandkids.  We always asked about each other’s family before we had any other conversations. 
He saved so many lives when we worked together and I know he continued to do so after he left Rogers.  The world was just a better place with Mark in it. 

Cheryl, you and Jesse, Megan, and Colin are in my prayers.  I pray for peace as we know he is in his heavenly home. 

I remember Dr. McCoy when I first came to Sparks just out of residency.  He was always kind to me, well respected and loved by patients and staff. 
Hoping Mrs. McCoy and family feel the peace and comfort only brought by Christ Jesus.  I’m sorry for your loss and praying for your journey through grief.

Love,
Jeanie Householder

I loved this guy ! So genuine, down to earth and real. He will be greatly missed.

I got to work with Dr McCoy at CV he always had a smile on his face no matter what we always got him to Smile you will be missed by so many people 

I am so sorry for your loss. Mark was a great surgeon that I worked with for years. He cared for his patients and saved many lives. He loved his family and bragged alot about his kids. He was a great friend and would help anyone he could. He will be missed. 

Debbie Meyer 

I had the privilege of working with Dr McCoy for many years in the OR. He was FIERCE!!! Fiercely compassionate, fiercely loyal, fiercely determined, I loved the fact that he never gave up and always took and gave chances. He definitely made want to be the best version of  myself. My heart goes out to Cheryl and his children. I had been out of touch with Dr McCoy for many yrs and reached out to him Via text after my mom died (they both put each other on a pedestal). We had a long  “catch up”. After his passing I pulled up the text just to “feel” our conversation. It was all abt his wife and children and the love and pride he had for them and beautiful pictures of all of them. I hope each of them  has comfort knowing that He and Maylon are patiently waiting for everyone to be reunited. RIP Dr McCoy. 

Great cv surgeon who saved a lot of lives and left  us too soon.  He will be missed.  My heart and prayers go out to the family.

Dear Cheryl and family,  I am so saddened to read about Mark.  It was always a joy to see you and the family at Joplin UMC.  my heart aches for you and the family.  will be keeping you in my prayers for some peace and comfort.  with much sympathy!!  Charlotte

I remember when Mark first started working at Sparks. I was one of the perfusionists and was just a tiny bit anxious about working with a new surgeon. It did not take long for me to realize that I was working with a GREAT surgeon. What made it even better was that I realized that I was working with a great PERSON!

It didn’t take long before I thought of him as a friend. 

We kept in contact for decades during our wandering, both personal and professional. 

It was truly a shock when I learned of his passing. I will miss him greatly. 

I offer my sincere condolences to his lovely wife who is also my friend. You cannot believe how much sorrow I feel for this.

Love,
Nick

So sorry for your loss.i worked closely with mark for many years. He was a great guy. He will be missed

I was an RN working in ICU when Dr McCoy came to work at St Edward. We have worked off and on since then. I even had privilege of working with him this past year as I work in PACU. Several of us were excited that he was back. He was one of the best. He cared about his patients and all of the staff. He would help however he could. He also loved his family.  I felt a little like I knew them from him talking about them. Dr Mark McCoy you will be missed. Your skill will be missed. Prayers for the family. 

Dr McCoy really cared about his patients and was always willing to discuss options and never gave up hope with his patients. Rest In Peace and many prayers for your family. 

My thoughts and prayers for your family Dr Mark.  There was a time when you came to Mercy that I know I spent more time with you than your family.   Working in the OR, a nurse sees the best and the worst of doctors.  We spent many long hours in the Heart Room.  Your compassion for your patients, your willingness to teach, your sense of humor, your outstanding skill as a surgeon, and of course your cowboy boots are all things I remember well.  I’ll never forget when you   went to administration on my behalf.  You’ll be missed from this life but I’m sure you’re enjoying eternal life.   

I worked with Dr.McCoy.  He was a person who cared about his patients,  coworkers, and family. He was a teacher. My prayers will be for his family.

I have known Mark since he was 3 years old when I married into his family. He was very talented  both musically and academically.  I was always very proud of his accomplishments in the medical field. I know he cared deeply for his family. I am saddened to hear of his untimely passing. The remarks made by his co-workers are very uplifting and comforting.  I am sending my love and sympathy to Cheryl, their children, and Phillip and his family. Molly L. Shaw

Just saw this pop up Facebook and I am very sad to hear of his passing. We worked closely together on several patient as I referred to him often from my clinic for cv surgery. He was always ready to offer help or suggestions for me a young doc that was new to practice and always thanked me for referrals. I can’t say we ever had a bad conversation and we had quite a few by phone or email through our EMR. From the few years I knew him professionally he was hard working and a good person. He was already missed by me within the mercy system but I am sure he will be missed by many more. Condolences to his family and friends. 

We first met Dr McCoy approx.  25 years ago for the 1st of two surgeries.  Dr. McCoy was such a kind man and gifted surgeon.  Even after many years, he still remembered his former patients and their families when seeing them out.  And like so many others have mentioned, those cowboy boots always made us smile!  Our prayers are with Cheryl and family..he will greatly be missed.

Dr McCoy operated on me back in 2018 so I have a piece of his artwork on my left side and when I look at it I think of when I first met him in my hospital room at Mercy he and Carla his nurse came to ease my mind and answer questions  if I had any but when I seen the  cowboy boots I knew he was my kind of guy. So when he was leaving he grabbed my toes and said I see you tomorrow. I will never forget this Dr one of a kind. Prayers for the family and his Mercy family

I admired and respected Dr. McCoy and enjoyed taking care of his surgical patients!  He was good to teach and share his knowledge!  I remember his chili that he made for the nursing staff, the fabulous gift basket of fruit he and his wife sent when my son was born and was rushed to ACH!  That was extremely kind!  I miss Mrs.McCoy's fabulous cheesecakes made from scratch!  My prayers for the family and may God Bless you in your loss!  

Dr. McCoy saved my dad’s life in April 1998. Emergency surgery in the middle of the night. Loved that he was wearing cowboy boots just like my dad wore everyday.  So sorry for your family’s loss. 

He was a Compassionate And Gifted Surgeon And had a gift for Humor I was so impressed with how he told a Patient they had cancer- I had seen another Surgeon tell the patient and  just leave -I felt abandoned for this Patient But Not Dr. McCoy He was honest and gave Hope and treated the Patient with Dignity  I worked in PACU at that time He will be greatly missed
I did not know him outside of the Hospital 
I imagine He was Great Person In Life with his Family and Friends
I offer my Condolence in this Great Time Of Loss To His Family 

We are deeply saddened to hear Dr. McCoy has passed.  Randy and I met him in 1993 at Mercy . He literally saved Randy’s life and we have never forgotten him. The cowboy boots, the deep laugh and his face lighting up when he showed us pictures of the baby.  Rest In Peace sir.

I don’t even know where to start with condolences to Ms Cheryl and the family. Hugs and prayers to everyone - he was such a funny bear of a man that will be missed. I know that I’ll never look at a holiday headband without thinking about how they made him smile when I was a PSR 

Truly admired this man. He was so kind & caring. It was my privilege to have helped take care of his patients back in the day. Prayers to his family. I love you Cheryl. ❤️❤️🙏🙏

Outstanding surgeon and gentleman!  Feel blessed to have been able to work with him his years at Sparks, then reconnecting years later at Riley Farm and getting to meet Cheryl and the family!  Many prayers for Cheryl and all the family going through this devastating loss.  

I will miss you my friend. You and your family will always hold a special place in my heart. Prayers and love to Cheryl and family. 

Linda

Heaven has gained a good man. Dr Mark has been one of the best friends I've ever had. I had the privilege of working with him when he became the CV surgeon for Cooper Clinic. In honesty I thought I would be intimidated by the surgical specialty but with Mark's gentle demeanor we quickly became friends. My life has been tremendously blessed and I will forever be grateful for the good times tragedies and conversations about different songs he wanted me to learn.  Mark is walking Heaven today with Mahlon by his side as they explore the wonders that God has prepared for us.  Cheryl Jesse Megan and Colin I am so thankful for all of you.......


I had the pleasure of working with Dr. McCoy when he 1st came to Fort Smith some 20+ years ago at Holt Krock Clinic.  He was a great surgeon that cared about his patients, their families and didn't mind to help anyone. I'm very thankful that I could call him my friend.  My thoughts and prayers are with you Cheryl and the family.  Please let me know if I can do anything for you!  Dr. McCoy will be greatly missed. 
Love, 
Veesta Mosley 

Love, warm thoughts and prayers to the McCoy family from our family.

I have worked along side Dr. McCoy in the Cardiovascular/Thoracic/Vascular rooms in surgery off and on since 1998. He was a very caring surgeon, mentor and friend. He was absolutely passionate about his patients and their well being. He spent many hours in the operating room with us. In doing so, he often spoke of his wife, children, and Luke.  He was very proud of all of them. He taught me many things and I will carry them with me in good memories of him. I will never forget the cowboy boots he wore with his scrubs, and how much of a practical joker he was as well. He will be very much deeply missed. Our community has lost an amazing surgeon. Prayers to his loved ones and their loss. 

Dr. McCoy was the greatest surgeon and I had the privilege of working with him for over a decade plus he operated on my late husband twice. Mark always went above and beyond to help his patients. My heart aches for his family and they are I. My thoughts and prayers.

Pleasure to work with Dr.McCoy in PACU and Cheryl in IR. Both exceptional people. Miss working with you Cheryl and miss visiting with Mark. Keeping you and your family in my prayers ,    Cheryl


Mark was the older brother of my lifelong friend Philip.  The 3 of us have shot rifles and pistols, driven fast cars, etc.  Mark and I shared a love of George Jones, Richard Petty, and the Boy Scouts of America.  We were all Eagle Scouts in BSA Troop 11, run by Barney Hopkins.    Mark was dedicated and tough.  We will miss him and cherish his memory.

He was one of the kindest surgeons I have ever met, always pleasant and would tale to you in simple language.  he will truly be missed.  Prayers for the family.
A former patient.

Wonderful friend and great doctor
was looking forward sharing patient care again

My prayers to the family
Cheryl   my most sincere condolences

Love
Arturo


I worked with Dr McCoy when  he came to  Fort Smith's Holt Krock Clinic  then moved with him to work at  Cooper Clinic. I loved working with him as a person and a surgeon. He was a great surgeon and a very caring person. He had a way of letting you know that he cared about the people he worked with every day and his patients. He was loved by all the staff. I will miss him. Love and prayers to all of his family.

Mark was my second cousin. I remember him during my growing up years in Madisonville. I always loved him very much. I always admired him for going to Vanderbilt University to become a doctor. I always thought he was so smart. As life went on I never saw him, since we didn’t live close by, but when my mother had to have a lung surgery we made contact with him. He knew the doctor and recommended him. He gave us support  during a time when we really needed it. I always wanted to see him again, and I’m so sorry that I never did. I love you Mark. You are in my heart always. Prayers to his  family during this most difficult time and to Phillip and his family. 

Thoughts and prayers to the McCoy family from all of us at the White Bluff-Rye Hill Volunteer Fire Department.  

I worked with Dr.McCoy at Holt Krock Clinic when he first came to town and again at Mercy. He was a great person and surgeon. He will be missed. Prayers to Cheryl and their family during this difficult time. 

White Bluff / Rye Hill Volunteer Fire Dept.

Artemis Project

Private Family Service

Cheryl Roth McCoy

Megan Jennifer McCoy

Mahlon Keith McCoy

Jesse Roth McCoy

Colin Mark McCoy

Mina Cohee McCoy.

Curtis McCoy, Jr.

Phillip and Janet McCoy

Sarah McCoy

White Bluff / Rye Hill Volunteer Fire Dept., 5325 Spring Mt. Rd, Fort Smith, AR 72916; or the Artemis Project (Rescue and rehabilitation of animals in the River Valley), PO Box 3134, Greenwood, AR 72937.
Online condolences may be sent to www.edwardsfuneralhome.com

OBITUARY

Dr. Mark McCoy

11 February, 1958 – 23 March, 2020

Edwards Funeral Home

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