Raymond Howard McCoy

May 5,1917- February 25,2015

Raymond Howard McCoy was father of five children, four grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren, Navy veteran of three wars while serving his country for thirty years in the US Navy. He was an intensely private man with strong values and ethics. His willingness to help his family and winning grin warmed our hearts. His generosity towards his family and those less fortunate knew no bounds.

He was born in Pueblo, Colorado to John Henry McCoy and Emma Roda Harpel on May 5, 1917. He was the second eldest of six children and was raised as a strict Methodist. In 1924 Raymond’s father passed away, leaving the family bereft. Raymond’s mother began to work outside the home and managed to provide for her six children while all the children, including Raymond, pitched in to help in the home. He was only seven at the time. Throughout his childhood, and high school he worked to help support his family. It was to become a theme throughout his long life.

He enlisted in the US Navy in July 1941. He was assigned to Heavy Patrol Squadron 43 and flew as combat air crewman and radioman, manning a .50 caliber waist gun during combat missions. Later he flew with Heavy Hospital/Evacuation Squadron ONE and helped maintain the electronics systems including navigation over Iwo Jima, Guam, the Marshall and Caroline Islands. His distinguished career in electronics and radar aboard aircraft carriers and fighter planes culminated in thirty years of honorable service and nine medals. He rose to the rank of commissioned officer Lieutenant Grade.

He met the love of his life, Doris May Andersen, on a blind date after WWII ended. They married and had five children. Family meant everything to Raymond and there was nothing he liked better than to spend time with them.

Throughout his life and long deployments overseas, commitment to his family never wavered. He was married to Doris for nearly 65 years until her passing in 2009. He was always involved in sports, hunting and bowling. His enthusiasm and participation inspired each member of the family throughout his life. During the last five years, his physical activity was restricted but his spirit and determination remained strong. He remained actively involved in the care and support of each of his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

He died in his home of natural causes surrounded by loved ones on February 25, 2015.

He is survived by his oldest daughter, Sharon Ann McCoy, second daughter, Susan Marie Ormiston, as well as his three sons: Roderick R. McCoy, eldest son,; Ronald R. McCoy, second son; and Raymond R McCoy, youngest son, two daughters-in-law: Virginia McCoy and Kathy McCoy, son-in-law Robert Ormiston ; four grandchildren: Jennifer Stewart, Roderick McCoy Daniel McCoy and Megan McCoy; four great-grandchildren: Emma McCoy, Addison McCoy, Ryland McCoy and McKenna McCoy; and beloved nieces and nephews.

A memorial service with full military honors will be held on March 18, 2015 at 11:00am at People’s Funeral Chapel, 501 N. Douty, Hanford, California.

Family and Friends may visit www.peoplesfuneralchapel.com to send flowers and condolences to the family.