Dr. Walter Daniel McCoy, Sr., 84, (U.S. Army Colonel Retired) of Palm Coast, entered the sunset of life on Wednesday, August 25, 2010 at his residence following an extended illness. Walter was born March 17, 1926 in Damascus, Georgia. He was reared and educated in St. Augustine, Florida and was a graduate of the old Excelsior High School. Immediately after high school, he joined the United States Army Air Corps during World War II and pursued a career as a pilot. He was able to fly the Cessna L-19 Bird Dog planes and moved on to the Huey helicopter later. He met his wife, Virginia, in 1951, the same year he was commissioned, when she was working at Florida A & M University.

Walter used the GI Bill to embark on his higher education and earned his B.S. (Science & Math-1968), M.S. (Educational Psychology-1971), and Ph.D. (Administration and Urban Affairs-1980) at the University of Texas. He also earned 34 academic hours in Labor Law at Southern Methodist University, School of Law and attended New Mexico State University to meet the required hours toward his Ph.D. His advanced academic experience comprises University of Texas at El Paso (Dean of Students); University of Texas at Arlington (Director of Student Facilities); Corpus Christi State University (Associate Professor of Management); Michigan Technological University (Provost, VP Academic Affairs Selection Committee).

Walter has several publications, papers presented, grants written, seminars/workshops conducted, and numerous arbitration experiences attributed to his legacy. He was active in numerous community and service organizations especially Rotary. He has many professional development, professional affiliations, and numerous civilian and military awards and commendations. Some of his military commendations include Meritorious Service, National Defense Service, Vietnam Service, Bronze Star with devices, Army Commendation, Republic of Vietnam Campaign, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medals, and the Presidential Unit Citation. Civilian honors include Phi Kappa Honor Society, Order of Omega Honor Society, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, and United Way Leadership Award. In 1989, He retired from the education system, the same year he moved back to the area and settled in Palm Coast. He served at Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church in Palm Coast.

Walter is preceded in eternal rest by his beloved mother, Ruth McCoy Lewis and Daughter, Denise Noble.

To cherish his memories: children, Walter Doni McCoy, Jr., Chicago, IL; Michael McCoy, Ann Arbor MI; Vincent McCoy, Royal Oaks, MI; Patty McCoy, Highland Village, TX; and Jonathan McCoy, Phoenix, AZ; 3 grandchildren, Aaron, Adam, & Ashley Noble; and host of other relatives & caring friends.

Visitation of family & friends will be 9:30 a.m. am until time of services. Funeral Mass will be observed at 10:30 a.m., Monday, August 30th at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, 4600 Belle Terre Parkway, Palm Coast, Father James May, Pastor.

Interment will be conducted at the Arlington National Cemetery, Virginia with full military honors.