In Memory of Larry “Hot Shot” Leon Coy

In Memory of Larry “Hot Shot” Leon Coy ~ December 7, 1942 – October 22, 2026, Larry “Hot Shot” Leon Coy, 83, was a well-liked man with an ornery streak, a thoughtful heart, and a willingness to help anyone in need. Known to everyone simply as “Hot Shot,” he was a man who left his mark on the lives of those who knew him. His personality, hardworking nature, and love for his family made him unforgettable, and everyone who knew Hot Shot loved him. Born on December 7, 1942, in Boggy Holler, Red Oak, Oklahoma, Larry’s story began with a childhood full of adventure and a deep bond with his grandparents. His grandfather, aƯectionally known as Papa, gave him the nickname “Hot Shot” when he was just a little tyke. The name stuck throughout his life, becoming a part of who he was and a name that would always bring a smile to the faces of those who knew him. Larry’s mother often told the story of how, around five years old, he would sneak out of the house whenever she wasn’t looking and walk to his grandparents’ home. Eventually, he never left, spending his childhood years at Boggy Holler before later moving into the town of Red Oak.

His greatest hero was his Papa, who taught him the value of hard work and how to work hard and play hard outdoors. According to Larry, he was driving a tractor by the age of three. He helped his grandmother, Big Mama, gather eggs to sell in town every week and cut firewood, learning the kind of work ethic that would stay with him throughout his life. Before he was even old enough to drive, Larry had landed his first job at the local filling station.

Larry graduated from Red Oak High School in 1960 and entered the workforce, beginning a lifetime of hard work and adventure. He spent many years working in the oil field as a derrick hand, a career that took him overseas to Saudi Arabia, where he worked for two years on an oƯshore drilling rig. He also worked as a ranch hand for Circle F Ranch, a job that suited his love of the outdoors and allowed him to enjoy being a cowboy.

Later, Larry earned his commercial driver's license and owned and operated his own cross country trucking company, Coy Trucking, alongside his beloved wife, Patti Coy, for many years. He often told stories of all the states he and his Peterbilt had visited and the people an old truck driver had gotten to meet. Even after retirement, Larry wasn't quite ready to slow down. He continued working as a dump truck driver for Latimer County District #3 in Red Oak before finally retiring for good. In his younger years, Larry loved coon hunting with his dog, Jason, fishing, and cooking at deer camp at Bear Creek.

These were the kinds of things that brought him joy and created memories that would last a lifetime. After fully retiring, heenjoyed spending time watching his grandchildren and great-grandchildren participate in their sports activities. He could often be seen driving around town proudly displaying the Trump flag in the bed of his truck, doing things his own way, just as he always had. Larry lived a life shaped by hard work, loyalty, family, and a love for the outdoors. He was ornery, thoughtful, and always willing to lend a helping hand. He had a way of making himself known, and the nickname given to him so many years ago became a name remembered with aƯection by generations of family and friends.

Larry is survived by his children: Rhonda Candelaria and husband Rudy of Bloomfield, New Mexico; Susie Brown and husband CliƯ of Red Oak, Oklahoma; Lisa Bryce and husband Bubba of Red Oak, Oklahoma; and Mike Wilson and wife Crystal of Odessa, Texas. He is also survived by his siblings, Doncie Campagna of Red Oak, Oklahoma; Dixie Rieckmann of Poteau, Oklahoma; and Paul Coy of the Philippines; along with 18 grandchildren and 34 great-grandchildren, all of whom carry forward a part of his legacy. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Patti Coy; his parents, Dewey and Edgie Coy; and his brothers, David Coy and Bob Coy, and his grandparents, James “Papa” White and Ida “Big Mama” White.

A graveside service honoring Larry’s life will be held on October 27, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at North Rock Creek Cemetery in Red Oak. In lieu of flowers friends and family are asked to donate to the North Rock Creek Cemetery fund. Honorary pallbearers will be Larry Mabry, Leslie White, Mike Coy, Bobby Dean Hill and Howard Morgan. Larry “Hot Shot” Coy lived life his way, worked hard, loved his family, and made memories that will be told for generations. Though he will be deeply missed, his stories, his ornery ways, and the name Hot Shot will live on in the hearts of everyone who loved him. He was one of a kind, and there will never be another Hot Shot. Services are under the direction of Waldrop Funeral Home in Wilburton, Oklahoma