BENNIE JOE MCCOY,

age 89, of Little Rock, passed away on Thursday, September 17, 2020, surrounded by his family at his home. He was born to Bennie Hill McCoy and Opal Ailene McCoy on August 29, 1931, in Pine Bluff, Ark. He spent his childhood in Dermott, Ark. After graduating from Dermott High, he attended the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville and received his Masters degree in civil engineering there in 1953. He was a member of the Theta Tau fraternity and ROTC. Bennie was inducted into the University’s Arkansas Academy of Civil Engineering in 1982. He enlisted in the Army Corps of Engineers after graduation in 1953 and served in Kunsan, Korea, and Tokyo, Japan, with the Corps from 1953-1955.

Mary Ann Moffitt became his wife in 1955 after they met at the University of Arkansas. Bennie and Mary Ann were wonderful parents to their three children. Bennie always encouraged a love of learning to his family.

Bennie joined Crist Engineers in Little Rock as a draftsman in 1955 and retired in 1997 as president of the firm. Many of Arkansas’ municipal water systems were designed by Bennie and his colleagues over his 42 year career with Crist.

Bennie and Mary Ann joined St. Luke United Methodist Church in Little Rock in the early 1960s. Bennie was currently a member of Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church in Little Rock. He served on many boards and committees within the Methodist Church throughout his lifetime.

In 2003, Mary Ann was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Bennie provided his children a wonderful example of unconditional love and caregiving until Mary Ann’s death in 2013.

Bennie enjoyed reading, bird watching, and traveling. His travel highlights were several trips to London, England, while his son lived there. He shared many fishing trips to the White River with family and friends over the years.

He was predeceased in death by his parents and his wife. He is survived by his three children, Jane (Batson) Harkey of Little Rock, Amanda (Max) Hendrix of Brock, Texas, and Jeff (Ginger) McCoy of Marietta, Ga. He is also survived by five granddaughters; several cousins; a sister-in-law; a niece, and two nephews. His beloved friend, Irene Regnier, and his loving cat, Jimmy, were his best medicine during his illness. The family would like to thank the numerous SeniorKare caregivers and Hospice Homecare staff who attended to Bennie over the past several weeks.

A private family service will held in his honor. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be sent to Arkansas Parks and Recreation Foundation, Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church in Little Rock, or a charity of your choice. To sign the online guestbook, click “Add A Memory” at: www.griffinleggetthealeyroth.com