James Padgett McCoy

James Padgett McCoy, 83, of Sylva, went home to be with the Lord, Sunday September 30, 2012. A native of Macon County, he was the first of four children born to the late James David and Eva Byrd McCoy. At an early age his parents moved to the Glenville area of Jackson County and after graduating from Glenville High School in 1947 he moved to Detroit, Michigan and joined the U.S.Army., where he enjoyed playing on the Army baseball team. In 1957 Padgett moved back to Sylva and opened the F& P Supermarket. In 1975 he opened the 441 Flea Market and his famous “Chili Dogs”. He sponsored Little League Baseball teams, bowling teams and Boy Scout Troup 999. He served on the Mountain Projects Board of Directors, WestCare Home Health Advisory Council and the Jackson County Airport Authority. Padgett was elected and served two terms on the Jackson County Board of Commissioners, and was a well-known supporter of the Republican Party in Jackson County. In 1999 Padgett received the Golden Elephant Award in recognition for his many years of service and dedication to the Republican Party. In his retirement Padgett enjoyed golfing, bowling and participating in the Senior Games in which he won several Gold Medals. He was also a member of William E. Dillard American Legion Post 104 in Sylva. Besides his parents he was also preceded in death by his brothers, Willis, Gilmer, Furman and Emory McCoy, and by a stepdaughter, Kathy Jamison. He is survived by his wife of 41 Years, Carolyn Parker McCoy 1 Son- Patrick and his wife Jill McCoy of Sylva Stepson- Steve Sheperd of Yorktown, Virginia 2 Grandchildren- Gavin and Adrienne McCoy 1 Brother- David Curtis McCoy of Dayton, Ohio and 1 Sister- June Johnson of Wilmington, NC And a niece, Bonita Boggs of Glenville, NC Funeral Services will be 2:00PM Wednesday October 3, 2012 at East Sylva Baptist Church of which he was a Member, with the Revs. Charles Dean and Eddie Stillwell officiating. Burial will be in Fairview Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends Tuesday evening from 6 until 8:00 PM at Appalachian Funeral Services. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to, The friends of Santa Claus, a non-profit organization that provides emotional and financial support to children with cancer and their families, at PO Box 3529, Cullowhee, NC 28723 Padgett McCoy was a County Leader and will be remembered as a kind and passionate man for the love of his family and community. . .