Everette McCoy Harbeson

Everette McCoy “Coy” Harbeson, age 86, of Charlotte NC, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on October 3, 2023.  He was born to Harry and Anna Harbeson on November 1, 1936, in North Charleston SC.  His happy and “Our Gang” type childhood was spent in the Garco Mill Village in North Charleston SC.  After graduating from North Charleston High School in 1955, Coy attended Spartanburg Junior College but soon decided that the United States Coast Guard was where he belonged and made his career of 30 years, retiring in 1984.  After retirement he and his wife of 40 years, Brenda Harbeson McMurray, and their three children, Jeff, Shannon, and Jenny made their home in Elizabeth City, NC. Coy was always a lover of the sea and soon migrated to the Outer Banks of North Carolina, building a life in Kill Devil Hills, where he remained for 32 years. He was a member of Kitty Hawk United Methodist Church and served on the Kill Devil Hills Board of Commissioners.  Having always believed in the importance of education, Coy finished his academic career at Elizabeth City State University obtaining his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science.

Coy’s life revolved around his faith in God, family, gardening, politics, and a love of sharing humorous stories of his eventful life and childhood. He will be most remembered for his humor and his trademark Greek Fisherman Cap in addition to his unique ability to connect with anyone, especially strangers in his presence. Those closest to him knew he never had seafood he didn’t like or missed an opportunity to snack on a Cheez-it or Captain’s Wafer.

Coy will forever be remembered and loved as “Dad” by his son Jeff Harbeson and wife Candice of Phoenix, AZ and “Daddy” by his two daughters, Shannon Elliott and husband Matthew of Charlotte NC and Jenny Williams and husband Lou of Kill Devil Hills NC.  “Granddaddy Coy” will remain in the hearts of his six grandchildren, Cameron Elliott, Bailey Hall, Trevor Williams, Shane Williams, and Jackson Harbeson. His grandson Hunter Harbeson was at Heaven’s Gates to greet his Granddaddy when he arrived. He leaves many memories with his two nieces and nephews as well as a host of cousins and friends.

Coy’s family would like to thank Brookdale South Charlotte for allowing him to make that his home for the past two years and for loving and caring for him in such a manner that it was apparent to anyone that entered their doors to visit.  He loved each one of you. Our family will miss you.

He gave his children the gift of planning his last deployment from this life by way of the sand, the sea, and his family church campground.  Jeff, Shannon, and Jenny along with their children, grandchildren and other family members will be fulfilling these wishes in the months ahead.

Coy requested that donations be given to continue “Coy’s Garden” at:

Brookdale South Charlotte

c/o Associate Appreciation Fund

5515 Rea Rd, Charlotte NC 28776

Epworth Children’s Home,

2900 Millwood Ave

PO Bos 50466, Columbia SC 29250

So, his love of gardening and children will live on forever.

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