Denson "Denny" McKoy

After attending Gordon Grammar School and Gordon Military High School, Denny attended Gordon Military College in Barnesville, Georgia. Denny then went on to earn his nursing degree from St. Joseph School of Nursing—becoming one of the first men in Georgia to do so. He went on to earn the status of Physician Assistant, working in several Atlanta-area hospitals, including Emory University Hospital, where both of his children were born. Denny fulfilled his career as head of the medical department at Lithonia Lighting Company for 20 years. In addition to hospital work, Denny also provided overnight, in-home care for many Atlanta families with compassion and quiet dedication. Notable accomplishments Denny was proud to have achieved include being asked to serve as the private duty nurse for several prominent Atlantans, including Atlanta Mayor William B. Hartsfield as well as John Sibley, the head of the Sibley Commission, which led toward the desegregation of Georgia State Schools, and members of the Candler and Woodruff families of the Coca Cola Corporation.

A man of deep faith, Denny joined Mount Carmel Christian church in 1972 where he remained a member for 40 years. Denny served as a deacon and raised his children in the church. Diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1974, he was determined to live as fully and normally as possible despite his condition. Though he was unable to walk for the last 18 years of his life, his spirit remained strong.

Denny was known for his quiet nature, his love of yard projects, and his simple, meaningful way of living. One of his hobbies that he enjoyed so much and did for years was metal detecting and collecting Civil War memorabilia. He had no enemies and made it a point to call people on special occasions, never missing an opportunity to share love and encouragement. He was a devoted husband to his loving wife, Susan McKoy, whom he cherished for 60 years. Together, they built a life grounded in love and faith. He and the family spent many wonderful weekends at their family mountain house in Blue Ridge Georgia, a perfect weekend getaway.

In 2016, Denny experienced unimaginable loss with the passing of his son-in-law, Steve Smith, and beloved granddaughter, Sydney Smith. In 2021, he lost his daughter, Micah Smith, to ovarian cancer—his “Daddy’s girl.” We take comfort in knowing they are now reunited in heaven.

Denny is survived by the love of his life, Susan McKoy; his son, Matthew McKoy (Susan); grandson, Hudson McKoy; granddaughter, Samantha Daniel (Cole); and soon-to-arrive great-grandson, Smith Daniel. He is also survived by his brother, Billy McKoy (Martha); sister Midgie McKoy Faulkner; brother-in-law, Paul Eberhardt (Mary); sister-in-law, Cindy Eberhardt; and many cherished nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, May 17, 2025, from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m. at Roswell Funeral Home, 950 Mansell Rd, Roswell, GA 30076 followed by a memorial service at 6:30 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation, https://www.nationalmssociety.org/ in honor of Denny’s life and legacy.