Coy Crosby

Coy Clifton Crosby, 96, of Wilson, died Thursday, June 5, 2025.

A graveside service with Military Rites will be on Monday, June 9, 2025, 11:00 AM, at Maplewood Cemetery.

Coy was born in Walterboro, SC on November 11, 1928. He had a relatively normal childhood and in 1950 went to Fort Jackson, SC where he was inducted into the Army. Upon completing two years of service, he was discharged and returned to Walterboro. After two years of civilian life Coy re-enlisted into the Army and served his country until 1974.

He proudly served in Germany, Louisiana, South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia, Texas, and Hawaii. He also served in the Korean Conflict and two tours of duty in Vietnam. He, with his unit, fired the first and the one millionth round of artillery for his division while serving in that war.

Coy rose from the rank of Private E-1 to Master Sergeant E-8. After retirement, Coy was given the honorary promotion to Command Sergeant Major of 8 regiments of artillery with the 25th Division.

He was awarded the following distinctions: National Defense Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with 1960s Device, Purple Heart, Vietnam Service Medal, Bronze Star Medal 5th Award, Good Conduct Medal – 1st-7th award, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm, Army Commendation Medal, Army of Occupation Medal, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry, and Vietnam Unit Citation.

In 1950 Coy began marching for Uncle Sam, but in 1964 he began marching for his true Master – the Lord Jesus Christ. Coy remained a faithful follower and servant of Christ for the remainder of his days. He once said that he planned to serve in the Lord’s Army until his marching boots were polished and put away for the last time. We, his family, are proud to say that this soldier accomplished his mission.

He is survived by his wife Eve Gunter Crosby of 71 years; daughters, Diane Thomas (Gene) of Wilson, Pam Thorne (Ronny) of Nashville, and Wanda Beasley (Mike) of Farmville, VA; son, Cliff Crosby (Janell) of Wilson; grandchildren, Mandy Thomas, Buddy Thomas (Amber), Alex Crosby, Jarrett Thorne (Tiffany), Grant Beasley (Rachel), and Whitney Strosnider (Cary); great-grandchildren, Brooke, Luke, and Wynn Thomas, Eden Thorne, Abigail, Michael, Arthur, Evelyn, Samuel, and Joel Beasley and Calvin and Pete Strosnider.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to 3HC Home, Health, and Hospice Care, 2402 Wayne Memorial Drive, Goldsboro, NC 27534  or Meals on Wheels, 2101 Tarboro St SW, Suite C, Wilson, NC 27893.

Arrangements by Wilson Memorial Service, 2811 Fieldstream Dr N, Wilson, NC (252) 237-7171; www.wilsonmemorialservice.com