Farrell D. McCoy

Farrell D. McCoy, 75, of Benton, passed away August 21, 2016 surrounded by his family on Sunday, August 21, 2016. He was born March 2, 1941 in Searcy, Ark., to John and Vera McCoy. Ferrell was raised on a cotton farm in Rose Bud, and graduated from Rose Bud High School in 1959. After high school, he and his twin brother moved to Modesto, Calif., where they drove forklifts for Gallo Winery. They enjoyed the California lifestyle and studied design engineering at the local junior college. He then moved to Flint, Mich., and worked as a supervisor on the carburetor assembly line at General Motors. He married Gayla Leach in 1963 and settled in Central Arkansas, where he studied engineering at University of Arkansas at Little Rock. He retired from ALCOA (The Aluminum Company of America) after 27 years as a design engineer. Farrell was an active member at Hope Church, Benton, Ark., and The Church at Rock Creek, Little Rock, Ark. He formerly served as a deacon at First Baptist Church, Cabot, Ark., and First Baptist Church, Benton, Ark. He was very active in the Royal Players Community Theater in Benton, serving several years on the board and in many other capacities. He enjoyed riding motorcycles, hunting, camping and traveling. Farrell was preceded in death by his wife of 51 years, Gayla McCoy; his brother Tommy McCoy of Searcy, Ark.; his twin brother Darrell McCoy of Searcy, Ark.; and his parents Walter and Vera McCoy of Rose Bud, Ark.. He is survived by his children, David McCoy and wife Ashley of Little Rock, Dena Drennan and husband Chip of Bowdon, Ga., and Kellee McCoy and wife Merideth of Benton. He was blessed with 11 grandchildren: Lawryn Downes, Brittany Drennan, Cody Phillips, Tanner Drennan, Jack Travis, Chandler Holcomb, Jon Michael McCoy, Lily Travis, Annah Kayte Holcomb, William McCoy, and Andrew Travis; and three great-grandchildren: Brixi, Huntley, and Charlie. He was loved by numerous friends and extended family members. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, August 25, at Dial and Dudley Funeral Home in Bryant. Charitable donations may be made in his name to the Royal Players through Dial and Dudley Funeral Home. In lieu of visitation, a fellowship for family and friends will take place following the service. Online Guestbook visit www.dialanddudleyfuneralhome.com.