Kelly McCoy

May 21, 1963 - March 22, 2022

Well-behaved women rarely make history. That’s what you’d read on the bumper sticker on the back of Kelly McCoy’s silver Kia Soul if you were following her in traffic. Kelly certainly could be well-behaved, but didn’t have to be and wasn’t always. And she will always be a part of the history of Chattanooga. Kelly, who was born May 21st, 1963 as Kate Echols, passed away early in the morning of March 22nd after a short illness. In the days that have followed, stories have come pouring out from all corners – radio listeners, other radio personalities past and present from her stations and others, the mayor – all of us have our own special memories of the East Ridge native who became the queen of midday radio in Chattanooga. We knew her from encounters big and small, from stage announcements in front of thousands to a quiet phone call from a listener who just wanted a sympathetic ear and to jam to Eric Clapton. Kelly loved classic rock and saw so many shows – Clapton far and away her favorite. Her crisp, bright delivery, stories from those shows, and stories about those classic rockers from 10-2 on KZ-106 made us feel with just a few well-delivered words like we knew those artists, too. Really knew those artists. She made us part of the family. The East Ridge Pioneers, Boyd-Buchanan Buccaneers, The Humane Educational Society, artists and entertainers, and radio listeners across all formats were her family. And you don’t mess with family. Anyone who knew Kelly well was keenly aware of her finely-calibrated B.S. Meter. She could spot B.S in a nano-second, quickly react, but calmly file it away to guide her decision-making in any future dealings and make sure she protected others. Redheads have a reputation for bowing up and putting people in their place when it’s necessary. Kelly was a natural redhead. Kelly was an avid reader. Author J.K. Rowling wrote: “To the well-organized mind, death is but the next great adventure. Here’s to your next great adventure, Kelly. We’ll carry you with us on ours. Always. Kelly was preceded in death by her mother, Layne Petersen Echols. She is survived by cousins Layne Hieb of Minnesota and Marta Petersen of Utah. Memorial contributions may be made in Kelly’s name to the Humane Educational Society at https://www.heschatt.org/donate. Expression of sympathy may be shared at ryanfuneralhome.net. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, April 16, 2022 beginning at 11:30 a.m. at Covey Creek Farms, 2855 Cloud Springs Road, Rossville, GA 30741. Arrangements are entrusted to Ryan Funeral Home & Crematory, Trenton, GA.