It is with great sadness that the family of Ray Dearl McCoy announces his passing on September 28, 2025, at the age of 94.
Born on January 26, 1931, to the late Willie and Florence (Hollingsworth) McCoy, Ray spent most of his life in Olive Hill, Kentucky. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 73 years, Alberta (Duncan) McCoy; his son, Joe McCoy; brothers Charlie, Burl, and Bob McCoy; and sisters Lillian Offill, Blanche Osenton, Betty Dixon, and Billie Jean Holland.
Ray retired after a 31-year career with the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife, where he served as a game warden and conservation education program leader. He especially loved visiting local schools to teach children about wildlife conservation and even traveled to his grandchildren’s school in Ohio to share his passion. A strong supporter of summer conservation programs, he spent many seasons providing leadership at Camp Earl Wallace and Camp Robert Webb.
An active member of his community, Ray was a 66-year member of the Olive Hill Masonic Lodge #629 and a 52-year member of the Olive Hill Eastern Star Chapter 290. He also served several terms on the Olive Hill City Council. Ray was a proud member of the Christian faith and a devoted fan of the Kentucky Wildcats.
Above all, family was Ray’s greatest joy. He is survived by his daughters Martha Jean Kelly of Arcanum, OH, and Rhonda (Ron) Reynolds of Olive Hill; grandchildren Jennifer (Mark) Panganiban of Creedmoor, NC, Brent McCoy of Elkhart, IN, Victoria (Joe) Martin of Greenville, OH, Stephanie Reynolds of Olive Hill, Rachel (Jeff) Francis of Greenville, OH, Jessica Reynolds of Olive Hill, Robin (Craig) Boughey of Louisville, KY, and Jack Reynolds of Sandy Hook; and eleven great-grandchildren.
Ray’s grandchildren treasure memories of his tall tales, bumpy rides to the farm in the back of his truck, his famous greasy stovetop popcorn, and tubs of homemade ice cream. Ray doted on his great-grandchildren—Nathan, Natalie, and Mark Panganiban; Ryan and Kamryn Martin; Camari Parker; Madilyn and Parker Francis; and Abigail, Isaac, and Ethan Boughey—always ready for treats at Dairy Queen and saving all his spare change to fill their piggy banks.
Ray is also survived by many loving nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.
Services
Visitation will be held Sunday, October 5, from 6–9 p.m. and Monday, October 6, from 9–10 a.m. at Globe Funeral Chapel in Olive Hill. A Masonic funeral service, conducted by Olive Hill Masonic Lodge #629, will take place Sunday evening at 7 p.m. The funeral service will follow on Monday, October 6, at 10 a.m., with burial at McFerren Cemetery in Olive Hill.
Pallbearers will be Brent McCoy, Jack Reynolds, Mark Panganiban, Joe Martin, Jeff Francis, Craig Boughey, Nathan Panganiban, Ryan Martin, and Mark Panganiban Jr. Honorary pallbearers include Ron Reynolds, Isaac Boughey, and Ethan Boughey.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Olive Hill Meals on Wheels program in Ray’s honor. Donations can be sent to Herbie Jones 465 Hitchins Avenue Olive Hill, KY 41164.
Globe Funeral Chapel is honored to serve the family of Ray Dearl McCoy.
