Odell McCoy

Winfred Odell McCoy, a Burnet County native and resident, passed away on Monday, January 25, 2022 at the age of 86. Odell was born on November 14, 1935, the sixth child of J.H. and Ethel McCoy (née Lyda) at their country home near Lake Victor.

Odell played on the baseball team in High School, and was awarded a scholarship

to U. T. before he graduated in 1953. Instead of college, he entered the armed forces like his elder brothers. Interested in aviation and aircraft mechanics, he served in the United States Air Force from 1956 - 1960. After the Air Force, he went to Houston, TX and began his career of large machine mechanic.

He later married Illa Sharron Johnson, becoming a father to her two boys and as well as the two daughters, they had together. After moving back to Burnet in 1986, he married Aneita June Higgins on September 2, 1989. They resided in his family home in town and he worked at Coreslab Structures until he retired. Odell was a kind and gentleperson that loved spending time at the BBQ pit surrounded by family and friends.

Rather soft-spoken, he preferred listening to speaking, and always tinkered with machines. When least expected, he would perform improvisational comedy that would make people laugh loudly. His entire life, even strangers remarked upon his bright red hair and signature beard (which later turned white), as well as his thick Texas accent, both being memorable aspects of his character.

Odell’s memory is cherished by his only sister and remaining sibling, Naomi LaNell Renick (née McCoy) of Burnet. Also surviving him, his beloved wife of 32 years, Aneita June McCoy (née Higgins) in Burnet. Remembered as a gentle and loving father by his natural daughters Darla Michelle (Ronald Glenn) Smith and Kristin Alise (Arthur Raymond) Tharp; and stepsons Vincent Brad Palmer and Michael Ray (Sue) Palmer. With loving affection, his memory lives in the hearts of stepchildren; Robert Edgar Dudley, Brian David (Marcia Lynn) Dudley, Lisa Michelle Dudley and Sheila Renee Dudley. He leaves behind his grandchildren; Stacie Starr Palmer, Katie Slayton, Cody (Sharayah) Brown, Kaitlyn (Caleb) Hopper, Savanna Smith, Brandon (Johnnie) Tharp, Joshua Tharp and Kyra Tharp. And his great-children: Cayson, Kaisley and Cole Hooper; and Bennett Brown. Odell is remembered lovingly by extended family and friends, especially Pamela Higgins and Robb Housewright.

Odell was preceded in death by his four brothers Emory “Leon” McCoy, “Larry” Wayland McCoy, Ira Ardeen “Dean” McCoy, and Dolphus Cliffton “Doc” McCoy and his first wife, Illa Sharron Johnson, mother of his two stepsons Brad and Michael Palmer, and natural daughters Darla Smith and Kristin Tharp.

Odell McCoy is remembered by many. Though he will be missed, he will never be forgotten. We pray that his quiet soul rests in peace. No public services will be held. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to VETRIDES, a non-profit in Burnet that assists veterans and their families with free transportation to VA hospitals and more. Call Sophie McCoy at 830-613-9982 or mail donations to VETRIDES, 220 S. Pierce St. Burnet, TX. 78611

Care has been entrusted to Clements-Wilcox Funeral Home in Burnet.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ClementsWilcoxBurnet.com for the McCoy family.