It is with great sadness and tremendously heavy hearts we report of the passing of Lee V. McCoy, known to many of his legions of friends and colleagues as the “RealMcCoy”. Lee lost his battle with cancer early morning Thursday May 22 in a Georgia hospital, admitted the Monday before in a bout with pneumonia.
Please find details regarding Lee’s memorial services at the end of this news post.
For nearly a decade until making a move into a new career opportunity last year, Lee was a regional representative of this radio network. He travelled the region and nation, and occassionally overseas, newsgathering and representing the network from his home location first near Auburn, Alabama and later from his new home near Atlanta, Georgia. Our network’s listeners remember Lee’s unique sign-off for his radio programs, with a certain unique country drawl only Lee could provide. 
He loved his travels to cattle sales to act as a ring-caller and mostly enjoyed just being Lee, easily mingling with people from every walk of life. From top level politicians and industry leaders to grass roots folks anywhere, Lee loved to see people and people enjoyed their time with Lee. In the photo to the left, Lee in his classic cowboy hat, with then U S Ag Secretary Mike Johanns sandwiched between Lee and me at a Farm Broadcasters’ meeting in Kansas City.
This has been one of the hardest stories I’ve ever had to write. It’s taken me longer to get this on line than it should have. There are so many other memories we could share about our times with Lee that would bring a smile or downright laugh. His positive attitude about everything was infectious and maybe that is his legacy, what we’ll miss the most. Speaking to him in recent days he remained upbeat, classic Lee, even while staring down his biggest life challenge.
To share in some of our memories, hit this link for some of Lee’s reports and photo archives from his network travels.
Farewell Buddy! The “RealMcCoy” has left the building, but he hasn’t left our hearts and minds!
Gary Cooper, Southeast AgNet
Lee’s funeral arrangements are as follows:
Saturday May 24, 2008, Memorial Service @ 3:00 p.m., Crossroads Church, 2564 Sharpsburg McCollum Rd, Newnan, GA 30265
Tuesday May 27, 2008, Graveside Service, Georgia National Cemetery, 2025 Mount Carmel Church Lane, Canton, GA 30114
This will be a full military (U.S. Dept. of Navy) funeral as Lee was a Vietnam Vet who served on the USS Pomodon SS486 submarine. Graveside service will be at 12:00 noon but those attending should be at Sosebee’s Funeral home by 10:00 to pay last respects and follow procession to the Cemetery.
If you wish to donate to the VFW Post 9949 where Lee was Post Commander. The address is:
VFW Post 9949
117 Chadwick Drive
Peachtree City, GA 30269
Funeral arrangements are being handled by: Sosebee Funeral Home, 191 Jarvis St, Canton, GA ph: (770) 479-2131. The procession will gather and leave from there to go to the Georgia National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the following agencies.
The Lance Armstrong Foundation
The Georgia Cancer Coalition
VFW Peachtree City Post No. 9949
USDA NASS