Coy Gene Halbrooks

Coy was born in Decatur, AL, on September 14, 1930, to Ludie & Chester Halbrooks, one of six children (Cecil, Laverne, Hugh, Ralph & Betty Faye). He graduated from Decatur High School in 1948 before entering the Air Force in 1950 & served his country until 1954. He was stationed the majority of his time at Carswell AFB in Fort Worth where he met & married his bride, Patsy Jean McAfee.  Coy began his working career in Fort Worth in insurance sales at Prudential before changing careers and worked 30+ years at Bell Helicopter as an electrical technician.  After retiring from Bell Helicopter he remained in Fort Worth. 

Growing up in northern Alabama Coy became an avid outdoorsman, a passion he possessed throughout his entire life.  He loved raising bird dogs, hunting and fishing.  He specifically enjoyed quail and dove hunting, and was an awesome crappie and bass fisherman, entering many fishing tournaments throughout the years. In his younger years he was a very talented baseball pitcher and played in semi-pro leagues after graduating from high school in Alabama.  He met his bride in Fort Worth while serving in the Air Force while she was working at the downtown Arthur Murray dance studio.  As a result, dancing became their passion and they became very advanced ballroom dancers and he became a dance instructor in the area.  He was an active member of Riverside Baptist in Fort Worth for many years and enjoyed playing with the church softball team. 

He had an infectious smile and was very outgoing and personable to everyone he came in contact with. 

He was preceded in death by his parents Ludie and Chester Halbrooks, loving wife Patsy Jean Halbrooks and granddaughter Amy Mitchell.  

He is survived by children Michael Halbrooks (Pamela), Betty Michaels, Sara Roberts (Jim) and Kathy Hopper (Ted); grandchildren Cole Bockman (Melissa), Kristen Harper (Gary), Brent Hopper and Ryan Hopper, Lisa Synrod (Rick) and Stacey Sullivan (Corey); 8 great-grand children, many nieces and nephews; and numerous extended family members and dear friends. 

A graveside service will take place at the Dallas Fort Worth National Cemetery (2000 Mountain Creek Pkwy, Dallas, TX 75211) on Monday August 21, 2023 at 11:00 AM with a Celebration of Life at Betty Michael's residence (4112 Grace Lane Grapevine, TX 76051)

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you consider making a donation in Coy's name to the Disable American Veterans. 

Don't cry because it's over, instead smile because his life happened! 

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