Charles Edward "Buck" McCoy

Charles Edward "Buck" McCoy, born on March 23, 1942, in Dry Ridge, Kentucky, passed away on February 25, 2026. Buck had a distinguished career, retiring from the Kentucky State Government, where he served in the Labor Cabinet. He began his journey as an investigator and worked his way up to supervisor in the division, ultimately becoming the Executive Director of the Office of Labor-Management Relations. In his final role, he served as the director of the Division of Employment Standards and Mediation until his retirement in 2002.

Throughout his tenure at the Kentucky Labor Cabinet, Buck held a director position during several administrations, including those of Wendell Ford, Julian Carroll, John Y Brown, Wallace Wilkerson, Martha Layne Collins, and Brereton Jones. Notably, he served as the Chief Mediator and played a crucial role in resolving labor management disputes across various industries, including horse racing, manufacturing, public sector, healthcare, and education. After leaving state government, Buck took on the role of director of Market Recovery for the International Union of Operating Engineers, AFL-CIO.  His final occupation was the State Director of the Kentucky State Building and Construction Trades Council AFL- CIO which he retired from in 2002.  He continued to offer guidance to the labor movement up until the last week of his life.

Outside of his professional achievements, Buck was a proud member of the First Baptist Church. He had a passion for coaching youth sports, including baseball, T-ball, Little League, Pony League, and basketball. Buck found joy in farming, particularly enjoyed bush hogging, and took great pride in following the accomplishments and interests of his grandsons, Brax and Broox. He also loved to spend evenings playing Rook and Spades with his family.

Buck celebrated 58 wonderful years of marriage to his beloved high school sweetheart, Lucy Katherine Greene McCoy, with whom he shared deep love and companionship. He is survived by his daughter, Leigh Karil McCoy Ward (Brock), and his grandsons, Brax and Broox Ward. He is also survived by his brothers, William "Bill" McCoy and Michael "Mike" McCoy; his sisters, Lydia "Becky" Jump, Leatha Conrad, and Vivian Link; and special family members, Ed, Courtney, and Austin Bourne.

Buck will be lovingly remembered and missed by those who knew him. He is preceded in death by his parents, John William McCoy and Ann Jessamine (Eaves) McCoy, his wife, Lucy Katherine McCoy, his daughter, Lisa Katherine McCoy Schureman, his grandson, Chip Schureman, and his sister and brothers, Nancie Pat McCoy Carter and John "Corn" McCoy.