BEN ELMER McCOY, born Feb. 9, 1910, at Memphis, Texas, died June 27, 2006, at Berryville. He was 96.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Addie Mae Brisco McCoy; two brothers and two sisters; his first wife, Lucille Shufeldt; his second wife of 54 years, Verline Stice Calloway; a step-son, Sonny Calloway, and a grandson, Bud Russell.

He is survived by his daughter, Peggy, and husband, Tommy Russell of Green Forest; a son, Benny, and his wife, Cora McCoy, of Harrison; six grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; six great-great-grandchildren; his step-daughter, Bobby Jean, and her husband, Robert Taylor, of Irving Texas; eight step-grandchildren; and 15 step-great-grandchildren.

Mr. McCoy was a longtime resident of Anna, Texas, where he raised sheep.

Services are July 3, 2006, at 11 a.m. at the Melissa (Texas) Church of God, and interment will follow at the Melissa Cemetery. Rev. Kelly Montgomery will conduct the services.