Elder Burke McCoy, Jr.

The Lord Almighty in His providence closed the book of Burke McCoy, Jr., on the morning of June 3, 2021. God sent an angel to carry one of His children home. 

MR. BURKE McCOY, JR., was born to the late Birk McCoy and Birdia (Cross) Ward in Augusta, Arkansas. Both parents and his sisters Erma J. Reaves, Nettie Moore, and Carrie Ward; brothers Robert J. Ward and Cleo Ward preceded him in death. 

Burke confessed a hope in Christ at Kennerly Temple in 1975 under Elder R. J. Ward. He was ordained as a minister in 1977. He went on to become an Elder, and an Assistant Sunday School Superintendent. He was also a Sunday school teacher, a member of the male chorus, and president of the mission department. Elder Burke McCoy, Jr., loved his Kennerly Temple family. 

Burke worked and retired from General Motors in October 1999 after 31 years of service. His love of service led him back to the workforce where he became a Security Supervisor at Centocor for seven years before ultimately retiring again in October 2012. His love of service also led him to participate in the Chaplain program with the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department and he served as a Chaplain at Barnes Jewish Hospital. He also served as the President of his neighborhood Block Unit #1382 in Walnut Park East. Burke was also a Veteran of the United States Marine Corps (Semper Fi) and was Honorably Discharged in 1964. 

He received his education at Carver High School in Augusta, Arkansas, and earned a Bachelor of Science in Christian Family Counseling from Glad Tidings Bible College in St. Lquis, MO. He was a huge Sci-Fi fan. He spent countless hours reading Sci­Fi books and enjoyed watching Sci-Fi television shows and movies. He was also fond of music, especially gospel and soulful classics. 

Burke met and married the love of his life, Caroline (Wilson), on March 21, 1967. They were married for 54 years before his death. Together they raised two sons, Mario McCoy and Michael J. McCoy. 

Burke was a devoted husband and father and consistently presented himself as a God-fearing man who would do anything for his family. He was also generous with extended family and friends and enjoyed helping others. Burke was always available to listen and offer sound advice. He will be deeply missed. 

He leaves to cherish his memories a Faithful and Devoted wife Caroline (Wilson) McCoy, sons, Mario McCoy (fiance Amy Somday) of Renton, WA, and Michael J. (Teresita) McCoy of Florissant, MO; six sisters-in-love, Mary J. Smith (Carmi) of Wellington, Florida, Dorothy Ward (Bishop Robert J Ward, Deceased), Felix Mae St. James, Maggie Wilson Willis, Colmar]. Waters all of St. Louis, MO, Barbara A. Sanders of Chicago, IL; two brothers-in-love, Leonard Waters and Jerome Phillips, both of St. Louis, MO; four grandchildren, Markesha McCoy, Marcus Dahline-McCoy, Mario A McCoy, and Silas Evans; three great granddaughters, Kaylee McCoy, Rhian McCoy, and Mauri McCoy; his Goddaughter, Jazmine Booker, Godson, Joshua E. Willis; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, many friends and his wonderful Kennerly Temple Family.

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