1953
2017
Phillip Stephen McCoy left Austin, Texas, for Heaven at age 63, moving on from his battle with congestive heart failure to a New Beginning on April 4, 2017.
Phil was born on August 3, 1953, in Fullerton, California, to Walter and Henrietta (Roberts) McCoy, of Buena Park. He was welcomed to the family as the fifth child. He was the little brother to Carol Ann (McCoy) Bliss the oldest sister, Robert Joseph McCoy the oldest brother, Michael Dennis McCoy the middle brother (who preceded him to Heaven in October of 2011), Rose Mary (McCoy) Hudson the middle sister, and was later joined by the sixth child, Judith Patricia McCoy, the baby sister of the Irish-American Catholic family.
Phil was raised in Southern California, first in Buena Park then later moved to Orange. After high school, he worked as a professional costumer at Hudson's Costume Shop, owned by his sister Carol, in Long Beach, California. He prided himself on being "Master of the Uniforms". He achieved an abundance of self-taught knowledge of military uniforms and insignias from all periods in history. He was known for watching movies and laughing when the movie's costume department had the audacity to use a uniform that was unauthentic.
In later years, he worked for Goodwill in various capacities. After his mother's and then father's deaths, he sold the family house, the place he called home for almost 40 years, and left California. He then resided in Oregon, Kansas, and finally settled in Austin, Texas, near his sister Rose.
Phil enjoyed Austin and the happiness it brought him. In 2013, he met a beautiful and selfless woman named Deborah Beresky. They became wonderful partners who enjoyed life together and lovingly cared for one another. Phil also found companionship in his little dog Zoey whom he had by his side for almost 17 years. Zoey preceded him to the Rainbow Bridge in October 2016.
Phil had quite the adventurous spirit. In his younger years he found pleasure in taking his niece and nephews on trips. The California beaches, mountains, and Carlsbad Caverns were a few of his favorites, but train rides were his most prized activity. Anyone who knew Phil knew that trains were a true passion of his. He facilitated a hobby of building model trains of which he ultimately grew an impressive collection. More recently, he and Deborah had the pleasure of taking a voyage through the scenic Texas Hill Country on a vintage steam-powered train.
We now mourn his passing yet celebrate his life and his last train ride to Heaven.
I'll ride that last train to heaven
On rails of solid gold
In a boxcar lined with satin
Where the nights are never cold
Where a hobo's always welcome
Even in his ragged clothes
I'll ride that last train to heaven
When the final whistle blows.
~ Boxcar Willie, Last Train to Heaven
A Memorial Mass will be held at 10:00 AM, on Monday, April 10, 2017, at Saint Ignatius Martyr Catholic Church at 126 W. Oltorf St., Austin, TX 78704. A private interment is scheduled for a later date.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Cook-Walden/Forest Oaks Funeral Home and Memorial Park.
April 10, 2017
Bob Hollan
I have known Phil for about five years and the things I will most remember about him are his wry sense of humor and his love and companionship for a very special little dog. Phil himself has now crossed that Rainbow Bridge and is reunited with Zoey. May eternity be blessed for you both.
April 8, 2017
What a wonderful remembrance of Phillip. James has many memories of the fun and sometimes comical times he and Phillip shared as children while living in California.
-James & Karen Foster, Nixa, Missouri
April 8, 2017
Judy Mccoy
What a beautiful remembrance of Uncle Phil---I am sure Mike was there to greet him with open arms. Whenever I see a train I will always think of Phil. RIP Phil you are finally pain free.
April 7, 2017
Robert, you and your whole extended family are an inspiration to all of you who built such a wonderful family.
Tim Jones (Santa Fe, New Mexico)
April 7, 2017
Stephen McCoy
I have always thought of you whenever I saw or heard a train. In my mind, your spirit will always be present in the sound of a whistle or clanging of wheels on steel track. Rest easy Uncle Phil.
April 7, 2017
Rose Hudson
April 7, 2017
Rose Hudson
Here is the image that will be engraved on Phil's urn, with love.
April 7, 2017
Rose Hudson
April 7, 2017
We will always remember Phil as atalented and loving person. He will be missed.
Les and Carol Bliss (Henderson, NV)
April 7, 2017
Robert McCoy
To My Baby Brother will Miss You Always. Love Big Brother Bob
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Funeral services provided by:
Cook-Walden/Forest Oaks Funeral Home and Memorial Park6300 West William Cannon Drive, Austin, TX 78749
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