Rual “Gene” Eugene McCoy, Jr., 73, of Bartlett, Tennessee, passed away peacefully on September 20, 2024. Gene was born on January 15, 1951, in Memphis, Tennessee, to the late Rual E. McCoy, Sr. and Jo Margaret McCoy.
Gene had a passion for life that was evident in everything he did. He was a true craftsman (The Real McCoy) working countless hours in his garage, building street rods, relationships and timeless pieces that his family will continue to treasure. Gene got his start with Memphis Sheet Metal Workers Local #4 and was a Journeyman there for over 40 years. His love for hot rods was a lifelong hobby, and his meticulous attention to detail could be seen in every project he undertook. Whether it was restoring a classic car or crafting something in his workshop, Gene’s hands were always busy building and creating.
He is survived by his devoted wife of 52 years, Linda McCoy, and their children: Chris McCoy (Page), Jeremy McCoy (Christi), and Melissa Norwood (Michael). He was a proud and loving pawpaw to Tyler McCoy, Kelsie Roberson (Brandon), Chloe McCoy, Ella McCoy, Addie McCoy, Caleb Taylor, Emma Taylor, Micah Norwood, Bella Norwood, Malachi Norwood, and Matthais Norwood, a great-grandfather to four great-grandchildren, and his sister Janice Carter (Paul).
Gene’s legacy of love, hard work, and creativity will live on in the hearts of his family and all who had the pleasure of knowing him.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Gene’s honor.
Family will receive friends from 1:00pm to 2:00pm on Saturday, September 28 at Memphis Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens, 3700 N. Germantown Rd, Bartlett, TN. Services will follow at 2:00pm. Interment will be at Memphis Memory Gardens, 6444 Raleigh Lagrange Rd, Memphis, TN.
