Walter McCoy Sr., 84, former dean of the School of Business and Economics, passed away Aug. 25 at his home in Palm Coast, Fla., following an extended illness.

McCoy, a retired colonel, came to the University in 1989 as an associate professor and was named dean in 1990, a position he held until 1993, when he assumed the post of special assistant to the provost for minority affairs. He retired in 1997.

"I remember Walter as being a very kind-hearted gentleman who enjoyed life and enjoyed being around his colleagues and students," said SBE Professor Tom Merz. "He always had the interests of the students and the University at heart."

McCoy was an expert negotiator and a specialist in conflict resolution, said Professor Paul Nelson. "As such, he was a very good person to lead the School at that time," he said. "He brought us stability in a time of transition."

McCoy was born March 17, 1926, in Damascus, Ga. He was reared and educated in St. Augustine, Fla. Immediately after high school, he joined the United States Army Air Corps during World War II and pursued a career as a pilot. He served in Korea and Vietnam, earning a Bronze Star with Devices. McCoy used the GI Bill to go to college, eventually earning a PhD in Administration and Urban Affairs at the University of Texas.

McCoy is survived by sons Walter McCoy Jr. of Chicago; Michael McCoy of Ann Arbor; Vincent McCoy of Royal Oak; and Jonathan McCoy of Phoenix; daughter Patty McCoy of Highland Village, Texas; three grandchildren; and a host of other relatives and friends. The funeral was held Monday at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, in Palm Coast. Internment will be at Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors.

Condolences may be posted online at the Flagg Serenity Memorial Chapel, which is handling arrangements.