Judge Information

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Forrest W. McCoy (EMERITUS)
6075 Shore Blvd. S.
Apt. #403
Gulfport, FL 33707
(813) 343-9274
Email: fwmccoy@msn.com

Forrest W. (Bill) McCoy grew up in Paoli, a small farming community in Southern Indiana. He always had a natural love of animals. Interest in dog shows began after the death of the family pet Pomeranian. The loss was so painful the family said no more pets, but within two weeks there were a couple of "additions" to the McCoy family and Mar-Bi-Lea Kennel was born! By the early '50's dog shows were becoming regular events.

In 1960 Bill, his wife, Mary, and daughter, Vicki, moved to Bloomington, IN. Bill and Mary joined the American Pomeranian Club in 1961, supporting the National Club of the bred they loved so much. That membership has continued for 35 years.

Locally, Bill was the guiding force behind the formation of the Bloomington Indiana Kennel Club in 1964. In 1968 Bill and Mary were instrumental in BIKC being approved by AKC to hold point shows. Bill acted as Show Chairman for their first show. He also served several times as President of the club. The club has continued to be a strong and active club to this date.

In 1964, after serving as assistant for four years to Edna Voyles, Bill was approved by the AKC as a licensed All-Breed Professional Handler. Along with Pomeranians, he owned and handled Pekes, Pugs, Brittanys and Longhaired Dachshunds. Throughout the years he also handled Springers, Setters, Old English, and had the honor of handling the first salt-and-pepper, drop-eared Giant Schnauzer bitch to her Championship.

In 1970 the McCoys moved to Orlando, FL and discontinued the kennel operations. Bill relinquished his handling license and began judging in 1973.

Since moving to Florida involvement with local clubs has continued. Bill is a Founding Member of the Lakeland-Winter Haven Kennel Club, where he still retains his membership. He is a member of the Sara-Bay Kennel Club and is on the Board of Directors. He is also a Group Coordinator with the Southwest Florida Judges Study Group.

Bill and Mary now reside in Gulfport, FL with Vicki living in nearby St. Petersburg. The McCoys never dreamed their first little family pet would start them on a lifetime love affair with the sport and place them in the dog world's book of records by being the only family where every member of the family is an approved AKC judge.