Paul Merle McCoy

PAUL MERLE MCCOY

June 1940 – March 2025

Paul Merle McCoy, 84, of Bowie, Maryland, passed away peacefully in March 2025 following a short illness. Born in Amsbry, Pennsylvania, in June 1940, he moved with his family to Maryland in 1945. He went on to serve in the U.S. Air Force before building a lifelong career in data processing and government contracting. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend, Paul will be remembered for his sharp wit, generous spirit, and unwavering love for his family.

Paul attended Kenwood High School and, after graduating, enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. He served honorably for four years, including a difficult assignment in the Aleutian Islands—a time he often joked about, saying, “There was a woman behind every tree, but there were no trees.”

Following his military service, Paul pursued a career in data processing, first enrolling in a technical program that laid the foundation for a successful lifelong career in the industry. He began at Martin Marietta, where he worked on the Gemini Space Program in the mid-1960s. While working full-time, he utilized the GI Bill to attend night school at what was then the University of Baltimore (now part of the University of Maryland System), earning a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.

Paul continued to advance in his field, taking a position at AAI Corporation, where he honed his data processing skills. He later joined Maryland National Bank as an officer in the Data Processing Division, where he met the love of his life, Judy, with whom he would share over 50 years of marriage. He then joined Rehab Group Inc as Director of Data Processing Operations, which introduced him to the world of government contracting.

In the early 1980s, Paul and his brother Jude co-founded Washington Data Systems, Inc., an information technology company specializing in government contracts. As President and CEO, they built a thriving business that made a lasting impact on employees and clients alike. He successfully led the company until it was sold in 2002 and he joyfully retired.

Paul was a dedicated and active member of his community. He was a lifetime member of the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Omaha Beach Chapter, American Legion Post 66 in Bowie, Maryland, where he also served as a board member. Additionally, he was a board member of the United Cerebral Palsy Foundation and an active fundraiser for the Bowie Interfaith Pantry and Emergency Aid Fund.

Above all, Paul’s greatest joy was his family. He was a devoted husband to his beloved wife, Judy McCoy, and a loving father to his sons, Jeffrey McCoy (Kara) and Jim Tiller (Nina). He cherished his role as "PopPop" to his grandchildren, Shayna, Kyle, Haley, and Connor. He also shared a special bond with his surviving brother, Danny McCoy, and his many nieces and nephews.

A lifelong Baltimore Orioles and Baltimore Ravens fan, Paul rarely missed a game. He also had a deep love for Elvis Presley, and his appreciation for music and sports brought him joy throughout his life. He enjoyed an occasional trip to Las Vegas, a good game of cards, and a friendly wager.

Paul was preceded in death by his parents, Albert Ruel and Lorine Agnes McCoy; his sisters, Betty McCoy, Phyllis Witkus, and Mary Gayle McCoy; and his brothers, James, Francis ("Buck"), Charles ("Chad"), Sheldon, Jerry, and Jude. It was a great source of pride that all the McCoy brothers served in the military, spanning every branch except the Coast Guard. His brother Chad made the ultimate sacrifice, losing his life on the last day of the Korean War, earning both the Purple Heart and Silver Star.

Paul was deeply loved and will be missed by all who knew him. His humor, kindness, and unwavering love for his family and friends will live on in the hearts of those he touched.

Funeral services will be private. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Paul’s memory to:

• American Legion Post 66
  9605 Old Laurel-Bowie Rd, Bowie, MD 20715

• Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Omaha Beach Chapter #7
  8205 Laurel Bowie Rd, Bowie, MD 20715

• Bowie Interfaith Pantry and Emergency Aid Fund
  2614 Kenhill Dr Suite 134, Bowie, MD 20715
  www.bowiefoodpantry.org