The Legacy of Willie James McCoy

"The Man, His Mission, His Vision"

"Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord."

Romans 8:35-39

The legacy of Willie James McCoy began August 8, 1948 when he was born to Willie James Hearn and Rosie Lee McCoy. He was raised in Hot Springs, Arkansas by his great-aunt, Nealie Brim Henderson. On Saturday, January 12, 2019 his earthly journey ended unexpectedly however, his legacy will continue forever in the lives of many.

Willie was a graduate of the Historic Langston High School Class of 1966. He was a proud Langston Bulldog. He attended Henderson State University two years before joining the United States Army in 1968. He was awarded a Bronze Star for Meritorious Achievement Ground Operations against hostile forces during the Vietnam War.  He also received a National Defense Medal and a Vietnam Service Medal.  He was honorably discharged from his military duties on March 29, 1974. Upon returning to the United States he worked two years for Reynolds Metal Company. Willie married Janice Violet White on February 12, 1977.  Their union was blessed wirh three sons, Roderick, Quentin and William.

He joined the Hot Springs Police Department on February 13, 1976.  He was promoted through the ranks and would later become the first African-American Captain of the Hot Springs Police Department on March 21, 1998.   Willie served the community of Hot Springs for thirty-three years until his retirement on February 27, 2009.  While working he furthered his education and received an Associate Degree in Criminal Justice and an Associate Degree in Sociology from Garland County Community College, Hot Springs, AR (now National Park Community College).  He received a Bachelor's of Science Degree in Sociology and a Master's of Science Degree in Sociology with an emphasis in Community Counseling from Henderson State University.

Willie lived a fulfilling and blessed life. He was a well-rounded man that loved his family, his church, his country, and his community. He united with St. Mark Baptist Church, and was a faithful member there until he completed his assignment here on earth. He exhibited his faith by serving as Chairman of the Trustee Ministry, Brotherhood Ministry and wherever his services were needed. He was instrumental in St. Mark's new building campaign, and the fruits of his labor will be seen and felt for years to come.

He served many, many years at the Hot Springs Boys and Girls Club as a member, and president of the board of directors, coaching several sports, but no sport felt his impact more than boxing. A four-time Arkansas heavyweight amateur boxing champion himself, in 1988, he was selected as the U.S. Junior Olympic Amateur Boxing Coach of the Year, followed by his appointment by then Governor Bill Clinton to the Arkansas Athletic Commission in 1991. He coached and trained several young men and ladies, some even becoming professional boxers on the international stage.  He served with several community organizations to numerous to list.  Willie and Janice built a great legacy in their community, through sports, the arts, education, and more. They impacted so many young people through their love and sacrifice for well over 40 years.  A man known for having many titles, but only word one is needed to sum up his life, servant.

Those completing the journey before him include his aforementioned parents and great aunt; his sisters, Mary Williams Bunting, Rosetta Gordon, Vivian Hearn Johnson, one brother, Ben Williams and his son, Willie James Marshall, Sr.

Those left to cherish his memories and to continue his legacy include his wife of forty-two years, Dr. Janice Violet McCoy, Ed.D. of Hot Springs, AR; his sons, Roderick (Tonya) McCoy of Springdale, AR, Sgt. 1 ^st Class Quentin (Erica) McCoy of EL Paso, TX, William (Tawnya) McCoy of Santa Clarita, CA, Dr. Dorian (Carrie) McCoy, Ph.D. of Knoxville, TN and Jeremy McCoy of Hot Springs, AR,; his brothers, John Henry (Brenda) Williams of Hot Springs, AR, Gary Hickman of Dallas, TX, Charlie James (Sherry) Hearn of Arkadelphia, AR, Allen Hearn of Kansas City, MO, his sisters, Judith Steinman of Flint, MI, Cora Jones of Hot Springs, AR, Christalean (Vernon) Smith of Malvern, AR and, Alma (James) Taylor of Seattle, WA; one sister-in-law, Chinetha Williams of Chidester; twenty  grandchildren, two great-grandchild and a host of nieces, nephews and extended family and friends.

Funeral service will be 1:00 PM Saturday, January 19, 2019 at St. Mark Baptist Church 542 Crescent Ave, Hot Springs, AR 71901. Burial will follow in Crestview Cemetery. Open visitation will be Friday, January 18, 2018 from 4:00 - 7:00 PM at the church. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the church in honor of Willie McCoy. Guest registry is at http://.www.carriganmemorial.com. Arrangements are entrusted to Carrigan Memorial Funeral Services.