Harry Lee McCoy

Harry Lee McCoy, of Columbia, SC, formerly of Charlotte, N.C. went to his heavenly rest on Sunday, June 28, 2026. Born in Charlotte N.C. on September 22, 1935, he was the son of the late Robert Lee and Mamie Caroline McCoy. Harry attended the public schools in Charlotte, N.C. and graduated from Tech High School in 1954.

Shortly thereafter he entered the U.S. Marine Corps. Serving in several stateside duty stations, and Okinawa, Japan. As a U.S. Marine he made a landing on Iwo Jima ten years after the initial invasion of the island and was part of a memorial service honoring those who served there and who raised the American Flag in victory on Mount Suribachi, creating that memorable World War Il photo.

He drove vacation tours across the US, Canada, and Mexico for more than 20 years and took several groups on ocean cruises. He also drove The North Carolina Symphony on tour for a number of years.

Harry and his wife Joan moved their young family of four girls and one boy to Columbia, S.C. in 1972 where Harry became involved in a sales career that lasted more than forty years. As sales manager, he traveled the Southeast with Eastern Equipment & Chemical Co. serving the textile industry with specialty chemicals and equipment. Harry became a small business owner forming two businesses with his wife Joan; Mighty Clean Industries, and Metro Equipment & Chemical Company serving North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia.

Harry retired in 2008 as store manager of a regional furniture chain. He then worked in sales at Havertys Furniture for several years.

As an active member of North Trenholm Baptist Church, for more than forty years, Harry in 1997, started a Nursing Home/Assisted Living ministry at National Health Care on Parklane Road, bringing a weekly worship service to the residents there who were unable to attend their home church. This ministry evolved into weekly worship services at six facilities in Northeast Columbia. In 2015 Harry was named National Health Care Volunteer of the year. He continued this ministry for 24 years until he retired in June 2021.

Harry is a published author, reflecting on the Nursing Home/Assisted Living Ministry he wrote God Speaks We Listen in 2014.

Family was an important part of Harry's life. His wife, Joan, and their five children enjoyed many happy days growing up together and filled his life with precious memories. His pride in their work ethic, their accomplishments and being able to live some of his dreams through them was priceless. His children include Marianne Geiger (Tim), Doni McCoy (Jeremy), Lisa McCoy (Roy), Jodi Miler (Andrew) and Michael McCoy (Amanda).

His grandchildren continue the family legacy as they strive for excellence while serving God, country and their fellow man; they are: April Portrais (Mark), Ashton Baker (Dustin), B. Julia Levi, Justin Bouknight (Robin), Vincent Decrescenzio (Mary), Melissa Valdes (Bryan) Savannah Saltiel (Alex), and Luke Miller. He has eight great grandchildren including Noah, Logan, and Bodhi Valdes, Mila and Luke Decrescenzio, Montgomery Baker, Bristol Erwin and Layken Bouknight.

He is survived by his wife, Joan, of 58 years, children, Doni, Lisa, Jodi, Michael and spouses, grand children and spouses, great grandchildren and niece Janice Sellers. (Robin, Machelle). He is predeceased by his parents Robert and Mamie C McCoy, three brothers, Robert С. McCoy, Albert McCoy and infant brother, nephew Robert P. McCoy and daughter Marianne McCoy Geiger.

Celebration of life will be held at Shives Funeral Home located at 7600 Trenholm Road, Columbia, SC 29223 at 3 o’clock on Wednesday, July 1st. The family will receive friends and loved ones prior to the service at the funeral home beginning at 2 o’clock. Interment and a graveside service for the family will be held at Fort Jackson National Cemetery on Thursday, July 2nd, at 11 o’clock.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to Gideons International Columbia East Camp, The Wounded Warriors Project, or Tunnel to Towers Foundation.
Memories and condolences may be shared at ShivesFuneralHome.com.