Longtime TxA friend, architect, and public servant Mayor Rawley Glenn McCoy, AIA, died unexpectedly at his home on Friday, March 5, 2021.
McCoy discovered his lifelong love of architecture while a student at Victoria High School. He eagerly pursued his passion, earning a Bachelor of Environmental Design and Master of Architecture at Texas A&M University. He returned to Victoria in 1975, where he began his career working for his long-time mentor, Warren Young, AIA. Together, they formed Young and McCoy Architects in 1979.
In 1995, McCoy began his own practice, Rawley McCoy and Associates. The firm has designed multiple notable projects in Victoria and throughout Texas. It was through his impassioned work in his local community that his love for Victoria grew and ignited his desire to enter public service. In 2019, the community he so loved elected him mayor. His successful mayoral bid was highlighted in a 2019 blog piece.
McCoy was a long time friend and supporter of the Texas Society of Architects. Encouraged by his friend Bill Wilson, FAIA, he became an active and integral member of the Government Affairs Sub-Committee. As in all areas of his life, McCoy poured his heart and soul into this committee work.
Connie Rivera, AIA, said of McCoy: “What struck me first about Rawley was his big, booming voice. Soon, I learned he had an equally big heart. He was all about serving people. He wanted to make sure that those who were not being heard WOULD be heard. Rawley’s passing leaves a gap in our advocacy efforts, and that is a great loss for us all.”
Bill Wilson, FAIA, echoed Rivera’s opinion, adding: “He was a uniter, and he strived to unite the community. He was a big supporter for mental heath services and felt strongly that community is for everyone. He did not just talk the talk, but he also walked the walk. He was so detail-oriented, so good that large firms would reach out to him. That’s unusual for someone from ‘small town Texas,’ but that’s just how good Rawley was.”
More information about McCoy’s life, as well as information about his memorial service can be found here. The Victoria Advocate published this article on March 7.
Mayor McCoy and his monumental contributions to the profession will be greatly missed by all.