Services to honor and celebrate the life of Albert McCoy “Coy” Rich 92, of Mobile will be held on Thursday, September 17, 2026 at Oak Park Church of God. Pastor David Smith and Pastor Daniel Blaylock officiating. Burial will be at Pine Crest West Cemetery, Snow Road. The family will receive friends for visitation on Thursday, September 17, 2026 from 11:00 AM until Service time at 1:00 PM.
Coy gained his eternal reward, meeting his Savior face to face on Saturday, September 12, 2026. Though loved ones on earth are sorrowful, Coy has joined loved ones gone before in eternal joy and peace.
Preceding Coy in death were his father, Jessie Rich; his mother, Lee Rich; his brothers, Hermas Rich, William Rich, and Bob Rich; and his sister, Joyce (Rich) Turner.
Those left to cherish the memory of their beloved husband, daddy, and Paw Paw include his beloved wife, Laura (Weeks) Rich; his daughter, Starla Rich; his son, Craig Rich (Paula); and grandsons, Joshua Rich, and Byron Rich Jr., as well as a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.
Coy was born in Gadsden, AL, to the late Jessie and Lee Rich on September 20, 1933. He was a loving son and brother who grew up in a small community that knew him as “Speedy Rich,” the star football running back at Hokes Bluff High School. Coy is still remembered in the halls of his alma mater today with plaques and a scholarship in his honor. Coy graduated from high school and then served in the United States Air Force from 1953 to 1957 during the Korean War. Coy’s role as an aircraft mechanic placed him in harrowing circumstances, as well as providing rewarding opportunities to serve his country.
Following military service, Coy pursued a career as a machinist and was featured in an industry newspaper. He worked until retiring in the machine industry, and traded his metal lathe for a woodworking lathe, designing creative pieces for loved ones and friends well into his eighties. Of all the many qualities remembered of Coy, service would best describe the kind of man he was. Whether helping neighbors, providing a safe retreat and hangout for neighborhood and church children, or serving in endless positions at his local church, Coy gave above and beyond, displaying the love of God to those around him with quiet, hands-on labors of love. Coy served as Sunday School Superintendent and Church Clerk, he mowed church lawns, built sanctuary platforms, fried chicken for church dinners, and helped neighbors and friends during times of need. In hurricanes or on bright sunny days, Coy could be found lending a helping hand. Though Coy never felt he was providing anything special, his acts of kindness have changed lives and brought measureless blessings. Coy’s sense of humor and giving heart will be missed by all who knew him.
