Senior Play

On the left is Michael Ray McCoy playing the lead in the Senior Play. On the right is Donald Mack McCoy playing the part of Earthquake McGoon in his Senior Play.

Michael Ray in Birthday Suit

Michael Ray McCoy. Born May 7, 1963.

This was taken at his Grandmother's house in Pasadena, Texas.

Michael Ray McCoy's Senior Picture

May, 1981

Michael Ray McCoy's senior picture. He graduated from Deer Park High School. He was on the swim team and the most awesome water-polo player. He was one of the best in the entire state of Texas.

Warren's Beloved Porche

This was Warren's "baby" - his 1972 Porche. He loved this car but he did not love it more than family. He sold it to be able to put a down payment on a house for us. He was working and living in California when he bought this car - he managed to do that all on his own. He went to a bank, got the financing and made the payments from his per-diem money. He surprised me with this "secret" when he could no longer keep it a secret. Bless his heart!

The McCoys

Donald Mack, Warren Weldon, Judith Lee and Michael Ray McCoy.

Michael Warren & Becca

Michael and Rebecca Rice (McCoy)

Michael Warren Rice (McCoy)

This is Michael Warren - he was named after his Dad, Michael Ray and his Grandfather, Warren Weldon.

Donald Mack McCoy

This was Donald Mack McCoy (Warren and Gene McCoy's Dad). He was born to George McCoy, age 23 and Bertha Ann Woods, age 18 on July 21, 1911. His birth certificate lists his father as a farmer and his mother a housekeeper. He was born in Lamar, Texas in Hughes County.

His had two grandsons - Donald Mack McCoy (named after him) and Michael Ray McCoy.

Warren and Trader

One of my favorite pictures! This was taken about 1989. Warren loved this dog. Trader was his buddy. The groomer we took Trader to took this picture one Christmas. Today is March 14, 2011 and I still cannot believe that both of them are gone. Trader died almost five years ago and Warren died twelve years ago the 22nd of this month. This was certainly a happy time in our lives and a cherished memory.

A "Dapper" Young Boy

Looking at this precious, beautiful boy brings tears to my eyes. This is Warren Weldon McCoy and I am guessing he is about three or four here.

A Message From Heaven

After Warren died, I wondered what he would be thinking as he looked down on his family. I wrote this poem as though he were saying the words from Heaven. I found this poem tucked away in my baby book - I am pretty sure that I wrote it just after his death.

You'll find things missing in your life for a while,
Such as your happiness, your laughter and your smile.

Your days will be without purpose and your nights very long.
You'll feel that in your heart you'll never hear a song.

Our home will seem silent, empty and blue
Because I am no longer there with you.

But, my love, I am here to tell you these things will pass and go away
Little by little each and every day.

You will feel great comfort knowing I am preparing for our new and wonderful life,
Where you and I will eternally be husband and wife.

Judy McCoy's Baby Book

Born December 9, 1939 at 6:55 a.m. at the Mercy Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland. Doctor was J. Howard Burns. Weighed 8 lbs 3 oz and was 20" long. Her mom, Ursula William Sandridge, wrote the following comment: "Judy smiled when she was one day old. She has one dimple in the left cheek. A beautiful child!"

Was named Judith Lee Schumaker.

Mother is Ursula W. Sandridge. Grandmother is James William Ramsey and Grandfather is William Robert Sandridge.

Father is Lewis Paul Schumaker. Grandmother is Sara Bell Raikes and Grandfather is Charles W. Schumaker.

Judy's eyes were blue, hair was brown, brows and lashes were light and complexion was fair.

At nine months, she weighed 26 lbs and was 31" tall.

"Judy began crawling at the age of 9 months. She really does fly. Just gets around the house in a very few minutes. I'll be so glad when she walks, for she is so sweet".

"She took her first steps on November 17, 1940. She was so very proud of herself. Bless her little heart".

November 22, 1940: "Judy Lee walked by herself most all evening. She just staggers and wobbles. But bless her heart, she just keeps right on trying until she is exhausted."

Other notes from Judy's baby book: Made her first trip from Baltimore to Washington, D.C. at two months. When she was nine months old, she had her first train ride from Charlottesville, VA to Houston, Texas. She first grasped a small rattler and a chain of blue beads. She chews on it and plays all day. Judy follows me with her eyes where ever I go. Judy now calls me Mummie. She tries so hard to talk. Judy couldn't get over people wearing glasses. She likes all the men. The colors of the funny papers certainly amuse her. On September 6, 1940 her Mom wrote that Judy now had six teeth and loves to eat. On October 28, 1940, she wrote that Judy now has eight teeth and is getting to be quite a lady. On May 20, 1940 Judy put my finger in her mouth and bit it. She is very proud of it. Judy had a grand birthday. I hope and pray she may have as many more as happy as her first."

From Warren's Baby Book

Warren's mother had a baby book for him and she filled in some of the pages.

Born October 28, 1936 at 10:55 p.m. at the Pampa Jarrett Hospital in Pampa, Texas. Doctor was A.B. Goldson. He weighed 7 lbs 7 oz. Eyes were blue, hair was brown and lashes were brown. He had a fair complexion. He held his head up at 1 1/2 months. He was told his prayers at age five and he repeated them at age five.

She wrote the following poem on the "First Birthday" page:

"I know a little blue-eyed boy. A lad just one year old.
But the captivating charm of him I fear cannot be told.

Of teeth, he hasn't many and his words are few.
But he has a way of making a willing slave of you."

March 11, l964

Warren was in Cabimas, Venezuela. The boys and I were at 2411 Rosemead in Pasadena, Texas. Mike was not quite a year old and Donny was almost five. Here is the letter Warren wrote - it is dated March 11, 1964.

Hi Darling,

I tried to write a letter last nite, but remembered the post office is closed today. This is Wednesday and we are not working today. They are swearing in their new president and declared today a national holiday. So, I get a day of rest but will have to work Saturday. These people die, but they don't die because they are overworked. I'd say they are just plain lazy.

I got the letter with the pictures in it. They are real good. Your letters and pictures sure help. The boys sure look good. I'll bet they are really growing. The car looks good too. Oh, the license receipt should be with the rest of the papers. If it's not, call Cole and he'll help you. 12 1/2 miles to the gallon? That's not good. When I checked it last, it was around 16. Don't worry about it. Tell Benjie and Billie I think their car is real pretty..

Well, it's been two months and one week since I saw you last, Darling. Seems longer than that. I'll damn sure not going to leave you again. I miss and love you too much and it's not worth it. I'm not making much money anyway. Baby, don't ever think I don't love you. You and the boys are my whole life. I won't be too much longer, I hope.

I don't know if Daddy is coming home or not. He sure needs to. He hasn't felt well since he's been here and he's gotten very quiet. I just don't know. I agree with you, he shouldn't feel sorry for himself.

Darling, I miss you very much. Sometimes I get very depressed and miserable. I love you with all my heart. Don't ever stop loving me. What more can I say? Just telling you I love you doesn't seem like enough. I sure would like to show you.

Well, Charlie Martin is supposed to come in tonight. Guess I'll get my glasses tomorrow. I need those shirts also.

Honey, I guess I'll close for now. My head is all stopped up and I can't breathe so good. Another damn head cold, I guess.

Kiss our boys for me and tell them I love them. Tell Donny to be real careful on that bicycle.

I love you, miss you, long for you and I am homesick. Keep loving me and it won't be long. Goodnight Darling. I'll be dreaming of you.

With All My Love, All the Way. Me

Seventeen

Warren Weldon McCoy

Warren was about 17 (1953) when this was taken. Don't you just know that he thought he would live forever? What an awesome man!

In Memory of Valentine's Day

Warren and Judy McCoy

Taken August, 1960. We had been married just over two years. We were proud parents of Donald Mack McCoy.

This was in the Houston Post after Mr. Mac killed himself.

Warren Weldon McCoy

Birth: October 28, 1936

Death: March 22, 1999

Warren was born in Pampa, Texas. He was the son of Donald Mack McCoy. His mother's name was Loraine Warren. He was named after his uncle, Weldon B. Warren. He had one brother, Donald Eugene. Warren married Judith Lee Schumaker Mruphy on July 19, 1958 and they stayed happily married until his death. They had two sons, Donald Mack and Michael Ray. His grandson's name is Michael Warren and his granddaughters are named Maegan Jo and Madeline Kay. He was a proud, hard-working and honest person. His family was his passion. His death was caused by exposure to asbestos during the late 1950s and early 1960s. He was diagnosed with mesothelioma (cancer of the lining of the lung) in July of 1997. He left us far to early and his is missed very much. He left a great legacy to his sons and grandchildren. His headstone at the Houston National Cemetery reads: Warren Weldon McCoy, US Marine Corp, Cpl. Korean War, October 28, 1936, March 22, 1999. "Ain't too bad, this'll work" is engraved on his stone. This phrase was a favorite of Warren's. This is usually how he responded when his family asked him a question or wanted his opinion. He is buried in section M2, grave #491. This is the next to the last row in his section. This and other pictures, notes and comments can be found on findagrave.com

Mr. Mack

One of the saddest things for me is to walk into an antique shop and see boxes of old pictures and old pictures in old frames. I always wonder who the people were - they had mothers and fathers, sisters and brothers, children - but here their pictures sit. Nobody knows who they were or what their names were.

I want you to meet Mr. Mack - this picture will probably end up in one of those boxes someday because Mr. Mack does not mean anything to anybody except me.

Here is what I know of Mr. Mack - he was married and he and his wife had no children. He didn't even really like children. One day his wife threw some hot oil out the back door and the wind blew it back on her. She died from complications of this.

My great-grandmother, Ada Bodie, was good friends with Mr. Mack's wife. After Mr. Mack's wife's death, he did not have anyone to take care of him. My great-grandmother became Mr. Mack's housekeeper.

When I was about four years old, my Mother left my Father (they later divorced) and she brought me to Texas and we lived with my great-grandmother and Mr. Mack. The porch he is sitting on in the picture is the front porch of the house. It is still at 210 Hutchins Street in Houston, Texas.

Remember I wrote that Mr. Mack did not like children? Well, that was true until I came along. According to my Mother, he adored me. He told me stories and he always told me about how he won at dominos when he would go to the domino parlor each week. That is about all I remember about him.

I was told that he worked for the railroad for many years and that he also played baseball.

Mr. Mack committed suicide. The day Grannie told him that she was not able to care for him any longer and that she was putting him in a nursing home, he pulled out his gun and shot himself in the head.

I was given two things of Mr. Mack's. One is a small round gold pin - it had a diamond in it, but that diamond is now in the wedding ring of my daughter-in-law, Tiffany. Someday that ring will probably go to my granddaughter, Madeline and I want her to know the story of one of the diamonds in the ring. I still have the pin.

The other thing that I have is Mr. Mack's pewter baby cup and pitcher. It is engraved with his name and the date - I can barely see them anymore, but I know they are well over 125 years old. They sit on a shelf above the door in my bedroom. This cup and pitcher won't mean anything to anyone after I am gone, but perhaps this story will mean something.

So, to you, Mr. Mack - I say thank you for loving me when I was a child.

Posted by Judith Lee McCoy - wife of Warren Weldon McCoy

Happy Birthday Warren

Thursday, October 28 was Warren's birthday. He would have been 74. On March 22, it will be eleven years since his death. His beautiful family still flourishes and a lot of that is due to Warren. He taught "his boys" how to love a family and how to create pride within the McCoy family. He has missed so much, but as his beautiful Granddaughter, Maddi, says - "It's ok Nana. He can see us." So I know that he is watching Maddie grow, watching Michael become a wonderful man with a wonderful wife. He is watching as Maegan is happy with her life. He is watching me and I feel his presence every day. He sees his son, Mike and his son Donny and I am sure he is smiling and beaming with joy. He helped raise two very fine men. He will always be missed but so many memories of him walk across my mind every day. (Posted by Judy McCoy, wife of 42 years).