Olen McCoy

Olen McCoy, was born August 12, 1945, in Warren, Arkansas. He is the son of James McCoy and Maeola Hammock McCoy. Olen transitioned to heaven on Saturday, February 26, 2022, where he joins his parents and two brothers; Billy Ray McCoy and James Edward McCoy. On July 31, 2021, after 53 years of dedicated service as an art teacher and head tennis coach, Olen retired from the Little Rock School District. He had a lifetime Educator's License for K-12. He loved teaching and would still be teaching today if he was able. Olen was a faithful servant and devoted member of Bethel A.M.E Church in Little Rock, Arkansas. He provided top-notch art and banners for the church. He sang in the male choir and is known for his signature "baritone" voice. He also served as deacon and taught Sunday school. Olen Graduated from Agricultural Mechanical & Normal College (AM&N), now University of Arkansas Pine Bluff (UAPB) in the 1970's. He was Editor in Chief of the Lion Yearbook and newspaper. He majored in Art and was a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Olen was a marksman with a 22-gauge riffle, he could light a match with single shot. Although he majored in art in college, his first love was basketball. He played for the Bradly County High Wildcats. There was one year in high school where Olen and two of his brothers (James Edward and Billy Ray) played on the same basketball team. Olen was very skilled. He played forward and guard. He played varsity basketball every single year, even as a freshman. No one will ever forget that half-court buzzer beater shot. Olen leaves his beloved family to cherish his memory: his wife, Patricia "Pat" McCoy; five children, Anthony McCoy Sr. (Helen McCoy), Antoinette McCoy, Andrea Harvey, Audrey Wilson (Dion Wilson) and Adrienne Johnson (Sedric Johnson); one brother, Samuel K. McCoy; four sisters, Joretha McCoy Cooley, Betty McCoy Hudson (Leroy), Ellistine McCoy Alfred (Sidney), and Sonya LaJune McCoy Foote (Lavel); three special aunts, Elizabeth McCoy Baker, Christine McCoy Spencer and Hattie Lavern McCoy Lewis; an uncle, John Hammock; ten grandchildren, Haleigh Taylor, Anthony McCoy Jr., Jonathan Harvey, Khaya-Simone Price, Jordan Harvey, Journee Harvey, Aaron Price, Chelsea Wilson, Olivia Johnson and Aidan Johnson; and a host of other relatives. Services Saturday, March 5, 2022, Wake 9 a.m., Funeral 11 a.m., Bethel A.M.E. Church; 815 W. 16th Street, Little Rock, Ark., 72202, Reverend Truman Tolefree, officiating; Livestream on, https://www.facebook.com/bethelameclr/; Services entrusted to Ruffin & Jarrett Funeral Home, 1200 Chester Street, Little Rock; North Hills Florist, 501-835-1367.