Jerry Robert McCoy

Jerry was a positively stubborn soul, one who was determined to fight for what he wanted. Born 70 years ago, he attended Atwater High School, where he met his first and last wives.

He married and then joined the Air Force and served in Thailand during the Vietnam War. Jerry graduated in 1962 before heading off to fight for his country as a highly decorated radio technician in the 75th Tactical Air Command. There he earned several commendations and awards, including the National Defense Service Medal, the Air Force Good Conduct Medal, the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, and an Air Force Achievement ribbon, among his many other accolades. Jerry retired from Air Force service as a sergeant with high honors and acclaim.

Jerry was a consummate worker, enjoying his time at IBM for 30 years in Texas while married to Shirley where they raised their children, until he moved back to Fresno to be with his current love, Sally. He had met Sally and courted her a bit during their high school days, carrying her books as they walked home. After joining the military, Jerry started a family as Sally went away to college. Much later, the timing for Sally and Jerry was finally right after they each divorced their long-time spouses and reconnected with each other. In 1999 they were married in Sally’s back yard, a flower-filled affair.

After time in Texas, they moved together back to Fresno, where he began a labor of love at Home Depot in the gardening department before joining Pelco as a senior lab technician. After several years as a highly respected member of Pelco, Jerry had to drop to part-time and then drop his career altogether as cancer started to take over his body. Jerry was a fighter, remember. He didn't take cancer lightly, nor did he wile away his time left. After remission and during treatments, he and Sally would dote on each other, dancing wherever they could, with or without music. Through their travels they would meet up with family whenever possible, always with their teacup poodle Pixie alongside.

The disease progressed and Hinds Hospice became a huge support for Jerry's final moments, delivering care at all hours of the day and night. At the very last, Jerry took his final breath, bringing Sally to his side, where she took his hand and wished him every bit of her love. Stunningly and magically, Jerry slowly pulled Sally's hand to his lips, eyes slightly open and focused on hers, as he kissed his thanks and adoration before sliding away.

Jerry was an inspiration to his entire family as a strong man of the earth, and yet fluid on the dance floor, making friends wherever his dance shoes took him. Jerry loved tending to his yard and garden, loved the mountains and the essence of their majesty, and connecting with his family and friends whenever possible.

Jerry was preceded in death by his mother, father and grandparents. He is survived by his wife Sally; sister Dawn Rinehart of Atwater; brother Ralph Lee of Maple Valley, Washington; children Darrell McCoy of Tulare; Kristi Lyons of Georgetown, Texas; and Shawn McCoy, also of Texas. Step-children Todd Gean and Julie Matsuoka of San Francisco; Sabrina Ringold and her husband Kevin of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; and Kyndra Gray and her husband Jason of Fresno; also by his 15 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild.

A memorial service will be held at Whitehurst Funeral Home, 1525 E. Saginaw, Fresno, in the Chapel on Friday, May 9 at 10am. Following the service an informal reception will take place at the home of Jason and Kyndra Gray.

Remembrances may be sent in care of Sally McCoy to Whitehurst Funeral Home.