JAMES EDWARD MCCOY

Posted

Bishop James Edward McCoy was born on April 8, 1951, in Florence, a son of the late Hezzie and Pauline McCoy. God Almighty called him from labor to reward on Friday, Aug. 17, 2018.

He received his formal education in the public schools of Florence County. Bishop was joined in holy matrimony to his lovely wife, Co-Pastor Fannie L. Plowden McCoy, on Aug. 17, 1976. To this union was born one daughter, Nissa; and one son, James McCoy. Prior to this union, he was also blessed with one daughter, Veronica; and two sons, Noeshea and the late James E. aka "Duke" Jackson. He also adopted a nephew and niece-in-law, Shonta E. Johnson and Diana Renee Belin of Sumter, whom he raised as his son and daughter. To all that had the pleasure of being acquainted with Bishop McCoy, he leaves a legacy of being loving, giving and a devoted husband, father and pastor.

On Sept. 10, 1979, Bishop J.E. McCoy accepted our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ as his personal savior and was baptized in the name of Jesus according to Acts 2:38. He later joined Greater Gethsemane Apostolic Church of Florence, where he received his formal biblical training and served as a faithful deacon and choir member until God called him into the ministry in 1985. In 1986, Bishop truly understood that a rich life is defined by one's service to others. Being led by God, he relocated his family to Sumter to establish The Apostolic Church of the Living God, where he served as a dedicated and faithful pastor, ministering the word of God until his death. Under his ministry, many souls have been delivered, saved and motivated to live a purpose-driven life.

Bishop J.E. McCoy had a successful career as a lead laborman while working for more than 31 years at Koppers Industries in Florence. He loved his job and co-workers and was a role model employee up until his retirement in 2010.

Bishop leaves to cherish his memory countless family: his loving wife, Fannie McCoy of Sumter; two daughters, Nissa (Samuel) McCoy-Law of Olive Branch, Mississippi, and Veronica Burton of Naples, Florida; two sons, James M. McCoy of Sumter and Norshea (GaVietta) Samuel of Florence; four sisters, Gail McCoy, Maggie McCoy and Diane (Franklin) Ellis, all of Florence, and Pastor Pearline (Chaney) Jones of Rochester, New York; three brothers, Elder Norman (Shirley) McCoy, William Leroy (Camille) McCoy and Johnny Lee McCoy, all of Florence; a host of grandchildren and great-grandchildren; nephews, nieces, friends and loved ones, all of whom shared in the joy that he brought to their lives.

Bishop J.E. McCoy was preceded in death by his parents, the late Hezzie and Pauline Sutton McCoy; one son, James E. aka "Duke" Jackson; four sisters, Linda, Loretta, Mary and Doris; and four brothers, Bobby Jean, William, Clarence and Calvin Lavern McCoy.

Public viewing will be held from 2 to 6 p.m. today at Job's Mortuary.

Bishop McCoy will be placed in the church at 1 p.m. on Wednesday for viewing until the hour of service.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Wednesday at Salem Chapel & Heritage Center, 101 S. Salem Ave., Sumter, with Apostle Dr. Alex Palmer officiating and Pastor Jerry Edwards, eulogist. Interment will follow at the Church of the Living God Cemetery.

The family will receive friends at the home, 1760 Geddings Road, Manning, SC 29102.

Job's Mortuary Inc., 312 S. Main St., Sumter, is in charge of arrangements.

Online memorials may be sent to the family at jobsmortuary@sc.rr.com or visit us on the web at www.jobsmortuary.net.