Hollis "Burl" McCoy

Hollis Burl McCoy, 91, of Merkel passed away on March 18, 2024 in Abilene.

Burl was born in Stith, Texas to Hollis and Velma McCoy on February 22, 1933. He graduated from Merkel High School, then earned a Bachelors and Masters from Abilene Christian College. He married Georgia Jan Gibson on August 11, 1958 in Bakersfield, California. Burl invested in young people as a teacher, coach and mentor for 38 years at both the high school and university levels. He had a gift and passion for singing, which he used as a song-leader for gospel meetings across the country, as well as for his home church beginning at age 15. He, his wife and three children formed The McCoy Family Singers and were annual highlights at the Yosemite Family Encampment and the Red River Family Encampment. He and Jan were also members of a peer group that sang at over 200 weddings. Burl was a faithful member of the Merkel Church of Christ, where he served as an elder for many years.

Burl was preceded in death by his parents, Hollis and Velma McCoy, and his brother and sister-in-law, Gerald and Mary Nell McCoy.

Burl is survived by his wife of 65 years, Jan McCoy, of Merkel, children, Brad & Debra McCoy of Abilene, Amy & Sid Walker of College Station, and Michael & Jan McCoy of Brownwood. Grandchildren and spouses include Colt & Rachel McCoy, Chance & Kristyn McCoy, Will & Candace Walker, Case & Jess McCoy, Wes Walker, Zane McCoy, Ben & Kaitlyn McCoy, Kylee & Jeremiah Branch. There are 13 great-grandchildren and two more on the way!

Pallbearers will be grandsons: Colt McCoy, Chance McCoy, Will Walker, Case McCoy, Wes Walker, Zane McCoy and Ben McCoy.

Visitation will be at 12:30 pm Friday, March 22, 2024 at the Merkel Church of Christ, with the funeral at 2 pm conducted by Paul Shero of San Angelo. Burial will follow at Rose Hill Cemetery in Merkel. Services will be under the direction of Starbuck Funeral Home.

Memorials can be made to the Zambia Medical Mission and World Christian Broadcasting or the organization of your choosing.

The family would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to Rachael Valfre and Lana Rogers for their ongoing care and support for the past several years. And special thanks to the staffs at Wesley Court and Wisteria Legacy Lane Memory Care.

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