[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 18 (Monday, February 1, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E74]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   RECOGNIZING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF THE LEGENDARY LUTHER R. ``LUKE 
                             McCOY'' EASON

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JEFF MILLER

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, February 1, 2016

  Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the life and 
legacy of the legendary Luther R. ``Luke McCoy'' Eason. His 
contributions to our great Nation and the lasting impact he has made on 
the local Northwest Florida community will be felt for years to come, 
and the entire Gulf Coast region mourns the passing of this truly 
talented and remarkable man.
   An Alabama native, Luke moved to Pensacola, Florida in high school 
in 1956. Upon graduation the following year from Pensacola High School, 
Luke honorably served in the United States Army as part of the 82nd 
Airborne Division and later in the United States Marine Corps. During 
his military service, Luke saw combat in Vietnam, and he was awarded 
the Purple Heart for injuries sustained while defending our Nation.
   In the 1960s, Luke hit the airwaves, beginning his exceptionally 
successful career in broadcasting. While he could be heard throughout 
the country--in Cincinnati, Denver, and Chattanooga--it was most 
notably in Pensacola, where he became well known as a disk jockey and a 
beloved Talk Radio personality. In 1993, Luke joined WCOA first as co-
host of the morning program and then became the distinguished voice of 
``Pensacola Speaks,'' holding the longest tenure of any former host.
   After 40 years in the radio industry, Luke hung up the headphones 
and microphone in 2008, spending his retirement days with his wife 
Kathy in her native South Carolina, where he enjoyed his other 
passion--motorcycles and the thrill of the ride.
   To some Luke McCoy will be remembered as a fellow comrade on the 
battlefield; to others he will be remembered as the ``Common Man's 
Intellectual'' and for his company and entertainment over the airwaves; 
to his friends and family, he will be most fondly remembered as a 
loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend.
   On behalf of the United States Congress, I am honored to recognize 
the life and legacy of Luke McCoy. My wife Vicki and I extend our 
heartfelt prayers and deepest condolences to his wife, Katherine Felton 
``Kathy'' Eason of North Augusta, South Carolina; son, Michael 
Holzapfel and his wife, Roxana, of Tempe, Arizona; daughters Sarah 
Paige and her husband, Michael, and Jeanie Cossman of Pensacola; 
grandchildren, Cassidy Paige, Emma Cossman and Alex Cossman of 
Pensacola; sister, Bonnie Eason Alverson of Gulf Breeze; brother, 
Benjamin L. Eason and his wife, Barbara, of Arlington, Virginia; and 
the entire Eason family.

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