Gerald "Jerry" Lee McCoy

Gerald Lee McCoy, (Jerry) age 86, of Knoxville, Tennessee, departed this world for his eternal home in Heaven on August 31, 2024. Jerry was born in Knoxville, TN on November 1, 1937. He was preceded in death by parents Charles McCoy and Louise Richards McCoy and sister Carolyn McCoy Widener. He is survived by brothers Johnny McCoy (Linda) and Dicky McCoy (Ann). Also survived by his loving wife, Deborah Gheen McCoy, and her children Candice Combs Bass (Ben) and Luther Nicholas Combs (Sasha). Jerry’s children include: Tracy McCoy Collins (Richard), Mark McCoy (Stacey) and Holly McCoy. Grandchildren: Caroline King (Patrick), Allison King (Jordan), Harrison Collins (Susannah), Morgan Bailey (Nick), Michael McCoy, Ashley Defenderfer (Alex), Sarah Waldrop, Camryn Combs, Joseph Combs, Caleb Combs, and Abigail Combs, nieces, nephews, and 15 great grandchildren. Jerry was a faithful member of Northstar Church.

Jerry was one of the original Lincoln Park “drugstore cowboys.” After graduating from Fulton High School, Jerry served in the Air National Guard, and was stationed in Germany during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Early employment ventures included managing his seasonal Christmas tree lot on Broadway and serving up the best fried chicken, slaw, and beans at his Fountain City restaurant, The Chicken Bar. His professional career began with the Department of Transportation, and after several years, he was asked to join Black Oak Construction Co. It was there that he met Richard Johnson, and together they built a successful construction and development company. Through Dart and Co., Jerry built many well-known residential properties like the Townhomes at Wentworth, Griffin’s Gate, Winter Park, and Shadow Creek Subdivision, along with several thriving business parks and other property ventures. In later years, Jerry started a new company, Gerald McCoy & Son, and enjoyed working with his son, Mark McCoy, until retiring in 2009. While Jerry was proud of his many accomplishments, he most enjoyed opportunities to mentor young people in business—guiding them to achieve their full potential.

Jerry held many titles in life, but his favorite was that of family man. He valued time with his family, and especially his wife, together for almost 35 years, Deborah. Together, they shared both adventure and the comforts of home. All will cherish the many memories of annual beach trips, weekends boating on Norris Lake, and large family meals of his famous fried chicken. Jerry was an avid golfer, whose love for the sport began at age 9 as a caddie at Whittle Springs Golf Course. Through adulthood, he enjoyed teaming up with friends at Whittle Springs, Beaver Brook, and Fox Den. Jerry, known for his quick game, traveled with his golfing pals, they all enjoyed many golf trips together, traveling to courses in the South and beyond.

In retirement, Jerry built an enviable woodworking shop where he designed and created beautiful furniture. All of his family and friends are proud owners of 1 (or maybe 2) of his step stools and rocking chairs. Nothing thrilled him more than to receive a phone call from a family member requesting something special from his shop—often finishing that project the same day, albeit with a few cuts and scrapes earned from the process. From atop his tractor, Jerry supervised the planting of a beautiful vegetable garden. “Wait there!” was the primary instruction his grandchildren received in this employment opportunity. All visitors to Jerry and Deborah’s home were sure to leave with several bags of the season’s bounty. Jerry and his brothers enjoyed weekly lunch outings, with many thanks to their chauffeur, nephew Kenny Widener.

Jerry often stated, “I would rather live to 50 and have really lived, than to be 80, and not lived at all.” And Jerry, always a straight-shooter, was blessed to have done just that—live a life so full, his absence is profound. Jerry was funny without trying. His common touch put people at ease, and his kind nature made them love him. If you knew him, you had a good friend for life. Jerry was larger than life, with a sincere laugh, especially when describing antics from years past. “Jerry Stories” will be remembered, missed, and hopefully retold with the same vigor and careful life lessons, as they were lived.

The family would like to thank Amedisys Hospice for their excellent care and compassion. They would like to especially acknowledge his nurse, Chelsea, who provided professional and gentle guidance in the most difficult times.

Services will be held Sunday, September 08, 2024 at Berry Highland Memorial, 5315 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37919. The family will receive friends from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., with a memorial service to follow.