Obituary of Richard James McCoy

Richard James McCoy, 77, also known as “Greasy” of the Birdtown Community passed away on September 14, 2022, after a brief illness. He was proceeded in death by his son Rick McCoy, father, Tom McCoy and Mother Emily Conseen McCoy, 3 brothers William, Jayboy, and Ray McCoy. One sister Tommie Ruth McCoy, special brother John Burgess, close friend Eugene Harlan & 2 nieces and 4 nephews and several aunts and uncles. He is survived by daughters Lizzie McCoy Bernal (German), Lisa Penick and Deidra Fowler. One son Richard “Lil Richard” McCoy (Dwanna), his brothers Larry Paul McCoy (Jackie), and Albert McCoy. Sisters Fay McCoy, Mary McCoy, Frances McCoy, Agnes (Herbert) Bradley, Peggy (Moses) Oocumma, Mildred McCoy, Maxine Burgess, all of Cherokee and Bertha Braddock of Odum, GA., his grandchildren Sidnie, Colby, Omar, Malaciah, Azher, Miracle, Amanda, Sam, Rachel & Eli & several great grandchildren. Greasy also leaves behind his special friend B. Ensley, special brother Mark Lambert, Rex Southard, Babe Locust, Tim & TJ Wilkie. Early in his life Richard worked as a game warden for the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. He also worked as a carpenter and drywall finisher. He was forager and loved living off the land gathering ramps, wild mushrooms, mountain greens, and ginseng. Richard was a true outdoors man and spent a majority of his life hunting wild game and fishing but above all he was bear hunter through and through. In his pastime Richard enjoyed carving, watching the Minnesota Vikings and eating cornbread, pintos, and milk. If you knew greasy you know he would give you the shirt off his back & could bake a mean pineapple upside down cake. He will be missed by many near & far. He loved his family & friends & cherished them until the end. When the angels called him home he was ready with open arms & a smile on his face. A visitation will be Friday, September 16, 2022 from 4pm - 8pm at Longhouse Funeral Home, funeral will be graveside at the Birdtown Cemetery on Saturday, September 17, 2022 at 2:00pm with Dan Conseen & Dewayne “Bear” Lambert presiding over services. Pallbearers: Malaciah Taylor, Colby Yanez, Omar Yañez, Roy Bradley, Jarrett Wilnoty, Duke McCoy, Joe McCoy, Roger McCoy & Frank Oocumma. Long House Funeral Home assisted the Family with final arrangements.