Richard "Dick" Lamar McCoy was born on September 14, 1928, in Vincennes, Indiana, to his parents Lyle Jennings McCoy and Minnie Louise (Lamar) McCoy. At the age of seven, Richard's family, including his sister, Nancy, moved to Ypsilanti, Michigan.

Here is where he would meet and fall in love with Dora Marilyn Zimmerman who he would marry and ultimately celebrate 77 years of loving marriage together. They would have two children, Marilyn and Richard "Mike".

He attended Ypsilanti High School and was a proud class of 1947 graduate. He was a hard worker and all through high school worked at Ben Sovey Greenhouse in Ypsilanti. Shortly after graduating, he worked for the peninsula paper company and as a postal carrier.

Ultimately, he landed in the telecommunication industry when he hired in at Michigan Bell in 1948. There he worked on installation and repairing equipment. Michigan Bell was acquired by AT&T by the time of his retirement in 1985. From there, he went on to work about 10 years part- time at St. Joseph Hospital on their telecommunications equipment.

For many years, Richard was a devout member of the First Christian Church of Ypsilanti. His grandfather founded the church which was originally on River St. There he was a Trustee and also served on the building committee to build the new church building on Ellsworth Rd. in Ypsilanti.

For 25 years, Richard volunteered his time to the Ypsilanti Township Fire Department. He was elected by the firemen to be the Chairman of the Ypsilanti Township Civil Service Commission. A position he would hold for 20 years.

Richard gave six years of service to the National Guard, from 1947-1953. There he earned the rank of Second Lieutenant serving in the radio platoon and the photography sections. During this period, he was also a member of the Armory Board of Control.

Richard and Dora have owned a cabin in Rose City, MI on Island Lake since 1984. They loved to spend time there with family. He also enjoyed camping, hunting, fishing, traveling, photography, wood working and building construction.

His greatest joy was spending time with his family. He said that they were his greatest asset. He especially enjoyed the little children and they certainly loved him!

Richard leaves behind to cherish his memory his loving wife Dora, his daughter Marilyn (Paul) Publiski of Saline, MI, and daughter in-law Helen McCoy of Kalkaska, MI.

Grandchildren;

Matthew (Tracy) McCoy of Ormond Beach, FL, and great grandchildren, Drake McCoy, Chase McCoy, step great grandchildren Nadia Garcia-Rivera, Diego Garcia-Rivera.

Becky (Michael) Mourgas of Dunnellon, FL, and great grandchildren, Kaitlyn Mourgas and Tyler Mourgas.

Brian (Anna) Publiski of Milan, MI and great grandchildren, William Publiski, Addison Publiski and Eliana Publiski.

Andrew (Lane) McCoy of Tucson, AZ and great grandchildren, Dora McCoy and Cade McCoy.

Richard was preceded in death by his sister, Nancy Carol Hughes who passed away on January 25, 2014, and his son, Richard Michael "Mike" McCoy who passed away on October 26, 2002.

Donations can be made to JDRF.org (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation) to honor his son who was a diabetic and other family members who are living with diabetes.

To honor Richard's wishes, the family is having a private burial at Highland Cemetery.

Any condolences can be sent to: Marilyn Publiski 807 Judd Rd. Saline, MI.  48176