Lewis "LaVelle" McCoy

It is with profound sadness, and deep gratitude for a life so richly lived, that we announce the passing of Lewis LaVelle “LaVelle” McCoy.

LaVelle was born on December 6, 1946, in Flagstaff, Arizona, to Lewis and Emigene McCoy. As the firstborn child, he carried with him a quiet sense of responsibility that would become a defining characteristic throughout his life. Raised in the mountain town he loved, LaVelle attended the Elementary Training School at Arizona State College before continuing on to Flagstaff Junior High and graduating from Flagstaff High School in 1964. An honor student and President of the National Honor Society, he approached everything he did with discipline, integrity, and a determination to do it well. Excellence wasn’t something he chased—it was simply how he lived.

One of the defining moments of his youth came when he earned an aviation scholarship from Wright Flight Service during his junior year of high school. He began flying in February 1963 and earned his pilot’s license before graduating in January 1964. Flying became far more than a hobby—it became one of his greatest passions. Whether piloting his own aircraft or simply looking toward the horizon, LaVelle found peace in the sky. He loved the freedom of flight, the beauty of Arizona and surrounding states from above, and the quiet perspective that only comes from being among the clouds.

Following high school, LaVelle attended the University of Arizona before returning home to Flagstaff to join the family business at Morris Motors, where his father was a partner. While continuing his education locally, he ultimately chose to devote himself fully to the automotive industry. In 1969, he attended General Motors Institute’s Dealership Management Training School in Flint, Michigan, laying the foundation for a remarkable career.

As President and CEO of McCoy Motors, the dealership founded by his father in 1968, LaVelle led with honesty, fairness, and an unwavering commitment to his employees, customers, and community. His leadership extended well beyond his own business. As President of the Arizona Automobile Dealers Association, he worked tirelessly to represent and strengthen dealerships across the state, earning the respect of colleagues throughout Arizona.

LaVelle believed that success carried with it a responsibility to give back. His dedication to Flagstaff was evident in the countless hours he devoted to organizations that helped shape the community he loved. He proudly served with the Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce, Greater Flagstaff Economic Council, Northern Arizona Center for Entrepreneurship & Technologies, Museum of Northern Arizona, Victim’s Witness, Coconino Community College Foundation, Flagstaff Family YMCA, United Way of Northern Arizona, Flagstaff Optimist Club, and Flagstaff Rotary Club. In 2005, he was named Flagstaff’s Citizen of the Year, recognizing his dedication and civic duty to the community that he loved so dearly.

Among some of his proudest contributions was being a main contributor and sponsor of the Athena Awards, a program later adopted by the Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce that recognizes women for professional excellence, mentorship, leadership, and community service. It was a reflection of LaVelle’s belief in lifting others up and celebrating those who make a difference. He also served on the Governor’s P-20 Council for Education and helped Flagstaff Unified School District with the grant award from the Flinn Foundation for the Challenger Learning Center visits. A pivotal experience for him was taking a group of students from South Beaver Elementary to Cape Canaveral to experience a space shuttle launch. The pinnacle of his love for aviation. He believed deeply in the learning journey and that education was our future; there was no reason that Arizona couldn’t have world class education.

As accomplished as he was professionally, those who knew LaVelle best knew that his greatest joys weren’t found in boardrooms or meetings. They were found in the cockpit of an airplane, behind the wheel of a boat at Lake Powell, gathered around family, or sharing stories that often came with a perfectly timed smile and a laugh. He also loved the race track as McCoy Motors sponsored both top fuel and funny car racing for the NHRA, he loved the smell of nitro and the tires warming on the track and the exhilaration of the speed. Another of his favorite pastimes was fishing, the beauty of nature and the thrill of the catch always brought a sparkle to his eye. He appreciated life’s simple adventures and had a gift for making ordinary moments memorable. Whether cruising across the water, soaring through the sky, or spending time with those he loved most, he embraced life with enthusiasm, curiosity, and gratitude.

Above all else, LaVelle was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, mentor, and friend. He led by example, teaching not only through words but through his character. His family will remember his steady guidance, quiet wisdom, generous heart, and unwavering belief in doing the right thing. His grandchildren will remember a grandfather who took pride in each of them, celebrated their accomplishments, and loved them beyond measure.

LaVelle is survived by his beloved wife of nearly 48 years, Jan McCoy, whose partnership was the foundation of a life filled with love and shared adventures. He is also survived by his son, Greg McCoy, and wife Renee, along with Greg’s daughter, Amelia McCoy; his daughter Cheryl McCoy and husband Zach Melton, and their children Cooper, Collin, and Cassidy; and his daughter Karen Brayden and husband Tommy Brayden, and their children Meyer, Taylor, and Ryland.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Zennie (“Lewis”) and Emigene McCoy.

LaVelle leaves behind more than a successful career or an impressive list of accomplishments. He leaves a legacy of integrity, generosity, leadership, and love. He helped build businesses, strengthened a community, encouraged others to succeed, and created a family whose lives were forever enriched by his example.

His life reminds us that true success is measured not by titles or achievements, but by the lives we touch, the kindness we share, and the love we leave behind. That is the true mark of his legacy.

He will be deeply missed, forever remembered, and always loved.

A Celebration of Life will be held in his honor on October 11, 2026 at 2:00pm at the Flagstaff Elks Lodge, located at 2101 N San Francisco St.

In lieu of flowers a memorial scholarship is being established in his name. Details will be shared soon.