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NEMCC honors a Legacy of Leadership, dedicates library room to former House Speaker William J. "Billy" McCoy

by Michael H. Miller

BOONEVILLE, Miss. -- (08/17/2026) — Few Northeast Mississippi Community College alumni have left a larger mark on Mississippi than William J. "Billy" McCoy.

From his days as a student at Northeast Mississippi Junior College to becoming one of the most influential legislative leaders in the state of Mississippi, McCoy spent the majority of his life serving the state of Mississippi by trying to do the best he could for the future of education, transportation and public service

McCoy's legacy will continue to be felt by generations to come and that legacy will remain at the college that he attended.

Northeast's Eula Dees Memorial Library now has a room dedicated to honoring McCoy - the William J. "Billy" McCoy Mississippi Heritage Room.

Within this newly dedicated room, students, alumni and faculty will be able to look at numerous items from his career and learn more about his years of service in the Mississippi Legislature.

Included are a collection of 32 years of legislative documents, the chair he sat in during session and various pieces of memorabilia recognizing several landmark votes taken by McCoy and his fellow lawmakers.

McCoy began his life of public service while growing up in Prentiss County. He attended local schools and was very active in the Future Farmers of America while in high school.

McCoy graduated from Booneville High School in 1960 and came to Northeast Mississippi Junior College, on a scholarship.

After two years at Northeast, he transferred to Mississippi State University where he earned a degree in Agricultural Education.

After college, he taught vocational agriculture for several years as a schoolteacher.

Later he went on to become an auditor for the State of Mississippi under State Auditor Hamp King.

It was the auditor's job that gave McCoy the experience he needed to run for public office; he ran for and was elected to the Mississippi House of Representatives in 1979.

McCoy served the people of northeast Mississippi for 32 years in the Mississippi House of Representatives and held the position of Speaker of the House of Representatives for three years.

McCoy also served as the vice chairman of the Transportation Committee, chairman of the House Education Committee, and served two terms as chairman of the powerful Ways and Means Committee.

In 2004, McCoy was unanimously elected by his peers as Speaker of the House of Representatives.

Some of the legislation that passed with McCoy's power that have impacted the State of Mississippi include the Highway Program in 1987, which was spearheaded by McCoy and the development of the Mississippi Adequate Education Program (MAEP) which is intended to improve education funding in schools across the state.

McCoy was also dedicated to serving the community colleges of Mississippi.

McCoy knew that the two-year colleges were vital to the future of the state by preparing students for work, building up local economies, and providing opportunities for individuals and groups who may not have been able to take advantage of four-year college or university programs.

Recognition of McCoy's legacy extends far beyond Booneville and northeast Mississippi. The Mississippi Department of Transportation has recognized McCoy previously by naming the department's headquarters in Jackson the William J. "Billy" McCoy Transportation Building.

A section of U.S. Highway 45 at its intersection with Mississippi Highway 145 in north Mississippi was also recently designated in his name by the department as a tribute to his work in helping improve the state's transportation system.

Throughout his lifetime of service McCoy was honored to receive numerous awards including the Mississippi State University Alumnus of the Year, Prentiss County Outstanding Citizen, the Trailblazers Award and the Paul Harris Fellow award.

Despite statewide recognition, those who knew McCoy best remembered someone much simpler.

Most Booneville, Prentiss County and northeast Mississippi residents remember McCoy as the public servant and leader of the local community who always returned to his hometown roots to lend a helping hand to all people.

VIDEO: A recording of the ribbon cutting can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_595Iw7Om2c

--NEMCC--

Information about Northeast Mississippi Community College

Northeast Mississippi Community College is a leading educational institution that provides comprehensive academic, technical, and workforce training programs to empower students and promote lifelong learning. With a commitment to excellence, Northeast Mississippi Community College fosters a supportive environment that prepares individuals for success in their chosen fields.

For more information about Northeast Mississippi Community College, visit http://www.nemcc.edu.

Media Attachments

Guests visit around the replica legislative desk during the dedication of the William “Billy” McCoy Mississippi Heritage Room.

Friends and members of the McCoy family converse in the William J. “Billy” McCoy Mississippi Heritage Room inside the Eula Dees Memorial Library on Northeast Mississippi Community College’s Booneville campus. Northeast and the McCoy family held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the room on Tuesday, August 18, to recognize McCoy’s service to northeast Mississippi and the state.

Kathy points toward framed legislative documents as Larry looks at the display inside the William “Billy” McCoy Mississippi Heritage Room.

Northeast Mississippi Community College Board of Trustees members Larry B. Mitchell, left, and Kathy Shappley, right, examine commission certificates displayed in the William J. “Billy” McCoy Mississippi Heritage Room in the Eula Dees Memorial Library on the college’s Booneville campus. Northeast and the McCoy family held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the room on Tuesday, August 18, to recognize McCoy’s service to northeast Mississippi and the state.

Kimberly holds a wooden gavel while speaking with a guest near the entrance to the William “Billy” McCoy Mississippi Heritage Room.

Billy McCoy’s daughter, Kimberly McCoy Eubanks, talks with Prentiss County Chancery Clerk David “Bubba” Pounds during a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the William J. “Billy” McCoy Mississippi Heritage Room in the Eula Dees Memorial Library on Northeast Mississippi Community College’s Booneville campus. Northeast and the McCoy family held the ceremony on Tuesday, August 18, to recognize McCoy’s service to northeast Mississippi and the state. Eubanks brought her father’s gavel from the Mississippi House of Representatives, including the gavel he used in 2008, for display in the room.

NEMCC President Dr. Ricky G. Ford examines a framed item among the photographs and memorabilia displayed in the heritage room.

Northeast Mississippi Community College President Dr. Ricky G. Ford adjusts a photograph in the William J. “Billy” McCoy Mississippi Heritage Room inside the Eula Dees Memorial Library on the college’s Booneville campus. Northeast and the McCoy family held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the room on Tuesday, August 18, to recognize McCoy’s service to northeast Mississippi and the state.

Members of the McCoy family examine books, gavels and other memorabilia arranged on the heritage room’s replica legislative desk.

Billy McCoy’s wife, Edith McCoy, joins friends and family members in examining a collection of books in the William J. “Billy” McCoy Mississippi Heritage Room inside the Eula Dees Memorial Library on Northeast Mississippi Community College’s Booneville campus. Northeast and the McCoy family held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the room on Tuesday, August 18, to recognize McCoy’s service to northeast Mississippi and the state.

Former Mississippi Rep. Steve Holland gestures while speaking with two guests inside the William “Billy” McCoy Mississippi Heritage Room.

Former longtime Mississippi House of Representatives member and funeral director Steve Holland, center, speaks with former House Speaker Billy McCoy’s wife, Edith McCoy, in the William J. “Billy” McCoy Mississippi Heritage Room inside the Eula Dees Memorial Library on Northeast Mississippi Community College’s Booneville campus. Northeast and the McCoy family held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the room on Tuesday, August 18, to recognize McCoy’s service to northeast Mississippi and the state. Holland and McCoy were deskmates at the Mississippi Capitol and often traveled to Jackson together.

Entrance signage identifies the William “Billy” McCoy Mississippi Heritage Room above a framed display containing McCoy’s portrait and biography.

A sign marks the entrance to the William J. “Billy” McCoy Mississippi Heritage Room inside the Eula Dees Memorial Library on Northeast Mississippi Community College’s Booneville campus. Northeast and the McCoy family held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the room on Tuesday, August 18, to recognize McCoy’s service to northeast Mississippi and the state.

Billy McCoy’s Mississippi Medal of Service rests in an open wooden case. Gov. Haley Barbour presented the medal on September 28, 2011.

William J. “Billy” McCoy’s Mississippi Medal of Service sits on display in the William J. “Billy” McCoy Mississippi Heritage Room inside the Eula Dees Memorial Library on Northeast Mississippi Community College’s Booneville campus. Then-Gov. Haley Barbour presented the medal to the former speaker of the Mississippi House of Representatives on September 28, 2011. Northeast and the McCoy family held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the room on Tuesday, August 18, to recognize McCoy’s service to northeast Mississippi and the state.

A legislative desk displays the Mississippi state seal, flags, books, a globe, a lamp and one of Billy McCoy’s wooden walking sticks.

William J. “Billy” McCoy’s desk and chair sit on display in the William J. “Billy” McCoy Mississippi Heritage Room inside the Eula Dees Memorial Library on Northeast Mississippi Community College’s Booneville campus. Northeast and the McCoy family held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the room on Tuesday, August 18, to recognize McCoy’s service to northeast Mississippi and the state.

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