“When a close friend unexpectedly leaves us, a piece of our hearts is forever broken” — Unknown.

The passing of native son, Douglas Wayne McCoy on Monday, March 8, 2021, has left Franklin Countians and many other family and friends across the state overwhelmed with deep sadness.

Doug was born in Meadville, Ms., on May 20, 1961. He died at Baptist Medical Center in Jackson following a lengthy illness.

A hairdresser and salon owner, Doug loved his native home of Franklin County. He demonstrated daily his love for his county and dedication to his clients in his three-hour drive to and from his home in Clinton to Eddiceton where he owned and operated Doug’s Place.

Well known throughout the state, Doug was a creative hair stylist who always made the world a prettier place with the magic he worked on his clients who traveled from not only from within Franklin County but also Clinton, Jackson, Natchez and areas of Louisiana. His professional work ethic was demonstrated by his dedication, performance and knowledge of his field, which required staying abreast of the latest information, techniques and styles.

Doug’s love for hairdressing began 40 years ago. He was a 1979 graduate of Franklin County Schools and a graduate of Copiah-Lincoln School of Cosmetology. He credited the late Mrs. Faye Hill, his instructor, in helping him pursue his creative side to build his career. Through his perseverance and determination, Doug put in countless hours to obtain his goals and receive much recognition for his accomplishments.

Doug continued throughout his 40 years with ties to Copiah Lincoln where he served on the Advisory and Crafts Committee for the cosmetology school. As a faithful member of the MS Cosmetologist Association, he served on various state-wide committees: Membership Chairman; Treasurer of the Cosmetology Council (this council is responsible for making the laws and rules governing cosmetologists throughout the state; member of the Education Committee that is involved in teaching new trends and cuts for on stage platforms at seminars and events across the state; President of MCA from 2006-2007; and his top achievement and honor for his profession came in 2017 when he was inducted in the MS Cosmetology Hall of Fame.

He promoted hairdressing as a noble profession. His art and exuberant humor were shared daily in lively conversations with his clients and friends. He would often tell his clients upon finishing their hair to “play pretty.”

Doug enjoyed reunions and he made a special point of always attending the Class of 1979 reunions. Thanks to the generosity of his classmates and friends, Doug’s legacy will continue through the establishment of the Douglas McCoy Memorial Scholarship Fund that has been created at Copiah-Lincoln in Wesson, MS.

Aside from his professional career, Doug, along with his lifetime companion of 32 years Harry Agnew, enjoyed traveling abroad. Their annual treks across Europe and other places were yearly highlights and Doug would share countless stories of his and Harry’s adventures. Doug loved life and would always light up a room with his lively conversations and his sweet spirit.

Doug also shared another love in his life — his Mom, Hilda Rae McCoy Priest. His countless daily expressions of love for his Mom will be the memories she will continue to hold close to her heart. A mother’s love is unconditional and a son’s love for his mother cannot be explained in words.

Doug was preceded in death by his father, Paul Wayne McCoy; Uncle Leon (Geraldine) Oglesby of Natchez; and aunt, Eva Nell Milton of Meadville, who died within hours of Doug’s passing.

He is survived by his Mother, Hilda Rae McCoy Priest of Eddiceton; lifetime companion, Harry Agnew of Clinton, MS; Uncle Bob (Pat) Oglesby of Vicksburg; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews and a host of many friends. He also is survived by his special Bassett hounds, Lois and Sadie.

Funeral services will be held Friday, March 12, 2021, at 2 p.m. at the Franklin Funeral Home Chapel in Meadville. A combined visitation service for Doug and his Aunt Eva Nell Milton will be held Thursday, March 11, 2021, from 5-8 p.m. Visitation will also be held Friday, March 12, 2021, from 12-2 p.m. prior to Doug’s funeral. Burial will be at Eddiceton Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial can be made to one of the following: Doug McCoy Memorial Scholarship, Co-Lin Foundation, P. O. Box 649, Wesson, MS 39191; Community Animal Rescue League (CARA) 960 N. Flag Chapel Rd., Jackson, MS. 39209; or MS Animal Rescue League, 5221 Greenway Dr. Ext, Jackson, MS. 39204.