Cover photo for Fred  "Big Papa" Mccoy, Jr.'s Obituary
Fred  "Big Papa" Mccoy, Jr. Profile Photo

Fred "Big Papa" Mccoy, Jr.

May 23, 1930 — May 7, 2020

Fred McCoy Jr. 90, of Valdosta, GA passed away on Thursday, May 7, 2020, at his home with 3 of his 4 daughters and other family members by his side. He was born in Columbia, South Carolina on May 23, 1930, the only son of the late Bessie Mae Neeley and Fredrick James McCoy. He grew up in Columbia and attended Wardlaw High School. Fred was a ''Real McCoy” a descendant of the feuding Tennessee Hatfield and McCoy's.

On August 21st, 1947, just after his 17th birthday he enlisted in the US Army Air Corps. He did his basic training and all medical training stateside and when he finished, he was transferred to Germany. In Germany he worked as a Medic at a MASH unit where he met and married the love of his life Mary E. Merten also working in the same unit as a RN. After completing their tour of service in Germany they came back to the states and started their family at Otis AFB on Cape Cod Massachusetts. Fred later was transferred to Moody AFB in Valdosta. The family moved back to Massachusetts when Fred deployed to Vietnam to wait for his return. After his return he was stationed at Pease AFB in New Hampshire and settled in Eliot, Maine until his retirement in 1974. He then returned to Valdosta and continued to serve as a member of the US Air Force Reserves at Moody AFB until 1977.

Fred spent 9 years in the Army Air Corps and then re-enlisted for 21 years in the Air Force, for a total of 30 years of Service to his Country. He spent time in Germany, Vietnam, Thailand, Okinawa, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, and the Philippines. He earned over 18 Medals and Special Accommodations, and as an Air Medic flew in over 74 Combat Missions over Vietnam.

Fred was an avid golfer, he loved bowling, salt and freshwater fishing, and he loved traveling with Mary, his grandchildren and friends in their Camper all over the United States visiting the wonderful sites of our country.

On Wednesday May the 6th the family celebrated his 90 years with a birthday motorcade past Fred at his daughter’s house on White Oak Drive. It was escorted by the Valdosta Police Department and included Mayor Matheson, a Moody AFB Delegation, and many neighborhood friends and family.

Fred was predeceased by Mary; his wife of over 60 years, his mother, his father and his stepfather Robert Lee Richardson “Pops” and stepbrother J. B. Richardson. He is survived by his 4 daughters Katherine Califf and Bill Parmelee of Valdosta, GA. Rosemary and Stephen Wollerscheid of York, Maine. Joanne Small and Steven Gagle of Eliot, Maine; and Dorothy McCoy and Keith of York, SC. Fred was blessed with 10 Grandchildren: Nicole and G.C. Ratliff, Cody and Jordan Califf, Matthew and Lauren Califf all of Valdosta, Stephanie and Ryan Berry of York, Maine, Melissa Wollerscheid and Nate Hill of So. Berwick, Maine, Erin and Brian Grondin of Wells, Maine, Christopher Small of Rochester, NH, Tyler Small of Eliot, Maine, Cynthia and Keith Witheterral of South Carolina; His 9.5 Great Grandchildren are Hayley and Granger-Cole Ratliff , Colin and Breanna Grondin, Genevieve Berry, Corbyn and Camdyn Califf, Annie Marie and a 'Little Angel' Califf soon to be born, and Theodore Hill. There are also many nieces and nephews, other family members, and wonderful friends who were just like family, that are too numerous to mention.

There are no services planned at this time. In memoriam please consider a charitable gift to our covid-19 emergency response fund to www.sgmcfoundation.org as Fred and Mary were both in the medical field. Your gift will allow SGMC leadership to respond to the additional healthcare needs as they arrive in response to this crisis. Condolences to the family may be conveyed online at www.mclanecares.com. Carson McLane.
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