Dr. William Mccoy, Dds

Dr. William V. McCoy, DDS, age 75, of Erie, passed away on Tuesday, June 27, 2017 at his residence. The cause of death was complications from diabetes.

He was born on August 23, 1941, in Birmingham, Alabama to the late Marjie McCoy, and was raised by the late James Tamplin, Sr. and Willie Mae Neal.

Dr. McCoy graduated from McDowell High School in 1959.  He earned his undergraduate degree in Chemistry from Central State University and graduated from Howard University with a doctorate in Dental Surgery.

Affectionately known as “Doc” or “Bill,” Dr. McCoy operated a private dental practice for over 45 years. Dr. McCoy provided orthodontic care to many children who could not afford the service on their own.  He loved people and taking care of them. One of Dr. McCoy’s passions was education.  He taught dentistry and orthodontics at home and abroad, including the Netherlands in the late 1990’s.  At the time of his death, he had been teaching at Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM) in the School of Dentistry and Fortis Institute in the dental hygiene program.  

Dr. McCoy was active in the community.  He was a member of a Masonic Lodge. He enjoyed helping with the Harry T. Burleigh Society, where he was instrumental in Burleigh's return to Erie for proper burial.  Dr. McCoy was on the boards of Penn State Behrend and Good Fellows at Mercyhurst University.  He loved to golf and to travel the world. He was the eternal optimist.

Dr. McCoy was a board-certified member of the International Association of Orthodontics and an Associate Instructor.  He was also a member of the American Orthodontic Society and the Academy of General Dentistry.  He was given the honor of being recognized as a Fellow in the American College of Dentists.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Susan Marie Jones, his brother, James Tamplin Jr. and brother-like figures, David Charles Neal and Dr. Derrick Bell.

Dr. McCoy is survived by his children William V. McCoy, Jr. and Dr. Theresa M. McCoy, MD, his first wife, Anita Aikens McCoy and a grandson, Grant C. Watson, all of Durham, NC.

He is further survived by his sister, Rosemary Gray of Erie and sister-like figure, Dr. Janet Dewart Bell of New York, NY; two brothers, Robert Tamplin of Georgia and Edward Tamplin of Erie and brother-like figure, Richard J. Neal of Erie. The following lifelong friends were with him as he completed his life journey:  Monica Rex, Andy Chinikidiadi, Gwendolyn Lipscomb, and Wayne and CeCe Bahl. He is further survived by many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Friends may call on the family on Saturday, July 29^th from 10 a.m. until the time of the memorial service at 11 a.m. at Burton Westlake Funeral Home, 3801 W. 26^th St. (at Powell Ave.)  There will be a private burial service at Lakeside Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Harry T. Burleigh Society, 545 West 7^th St., Erie PA 16505.  Condolences may be sent to www.Burtonfuneralhomes.com.