Rev. Willie McCoy

Reverend Willie M. McCoy, beloved son, husband, brother, father, grandfather, and esteemed member of the community was called home on October 26, 2023. Willie was the first-born son of the late Rev. Charlie E. and Bertha McCoy. He was a devoted husband of 57 years, to the late Mary Frances McCoy, with whom he shares four children. Born on June 20, 1940, in Bethune, South Carolina, he was named after his Uncle Willie Henderson and affectionately nicknamed Sonny or Sonny Boy due to his special bond with his Uncle Adolphus Henderson, known as “Uncle Son”. He was highly regarded by his 10 siblings, and each of them held a special place in his heart. From an early age, his humility and faith were a guiding force in his life, resulting in a life of service to others.
Though he came from humble beginnings, he was never one to ask for handouts or make excuses. He worked hard to figure things out on his own and always found a way out of no way; some of the same qualities he instilled in his children. He was a devoted and proud father to his only son Darryl, and three daughters Michelle, Lisa, and Kimberly, often relishing his children’s and grandchildren’s accomplishments. Each of them attributes their success to the discipline and faith he imparted in them during their upbringing.
Reverend McCoy was educated in the South Carolina school system in his formative years. He held various positions throughout the years of his life as a barber, butcher, grounds keeper, self-taught plumber, electrician, and woodworker, just to name a few. He relocated to upstate New York where he worked in several capacities until his retirement in 2002 from the New York State Police. Reverend McCoy was an associate pastor at Sojourner Truth AME Zion Church (Albany, NY) and then went on to pastor at Dyer Phelps AME (Saratoga, NY). After retiring from the New York State Police, he returned to his hometown of Bethune, SC and pastored at Miller’s Chapel (Dillion, SC). Despite his own health challenges, he selflessly took care of his late wife until her death. He was also an avid fisherman, dog lover, bowler, jokester, Mets fan, and was the family’s reigning checker king.
He was predeceased by his parents, Rev. Charlie E. and Bertha McCoy, siblings: Gertrude, Jeanette, Alice (Ruth), Pauline, Bessie Mae, Harry, and his wife Mary Frances Ferguson-McCoy.
Left to cherish his memory are his children Darryl (Sherry), Michelle (Barry), Lisa, and Kimberly; his siblings Mary Frances “Sue”, Betty Anne (Walter), George “Ed” (Sandra), and Pearlie (Harvey); grandchildren, Darryl Jr., Jovan, DeAnna, Brittney, Michael, Melanie, Kevin, Nigel, X. Josiah, and Brielle; 13 great-grandchildren, and a host of other family and special friends, notably Rufus Hough and James Kelly.
Reverend McCoy's legacy of love, faith, and community service will forever live on in the hearts of those he touched. As we mourn his passing, let us also celebrate the extraordinary life of a man whose kindness and devotion knew no bounds. May he rest in eternal peace, and his memory continue to be a blessing to us all.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Mill Creek Baptist Church in Reverend McCoy's name.