Alton Ulysses McCoy

MR. ALTON ULYSSES MCCOY, 90 of MT. GILEAD, NC passed away Sunday, May 15, 2022 at  Stanly Manor  in  Albemarle, NC

Funeral Services will be held 11:00 am Thursday, May 19, 2022 at the McAuley Memorial AME Zion Church, 2829 NC Hwy. 109 S., MT. Gilead, NC.  Mr. McCoy's remains will lie in repose 10:00 am to 11:00 am at the church prior to the service.  Military Honors and Interment will follow in Stanly Gardens of Memory in Albemarle, NC.

(Due to the COVID 19 Pandemic everyone attending the Service and Public Viewing are required to wear a mask or facial covering.  Please use the Hand Sanitizing Station when entering and exiting the Funeral Home.)

                 " Behold, God is my helper, the Lord is the upholder of my life."  Psalm 54:4 

Alton Ulysses McCoy, was born on Thursday, March 31, 1932, in Montgomery County, NC, and was the only child born to Katherine McCoy Keeling.  Alton was raised in the Dry Creek Community of Candor, NC, in the loving care of his grandparents, Nora and Jones McCoy.  He attended and graduated from Peabody High  School, Troy, NC and subsequently served his country in the United States Army.

Alton married Maxine Bowden at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, where they both continued to be valuable members throughout their lives.   Alton served as Church Secretary, Church Treasurer, Sunday School Superintendent and on the Deacon Board.  Alton and Maxine remained married until her death in 2003.

Alton was successful in a range of careers.  He worked as a brick truck driver, an insurance salesman with North Carolina Mutual and retired as Supervisor at Samarcand Training Academy, Eagle Springs, NC.  He was a lifelong charitable giver and member of the American Legion; where he served 63 years as Adjutant for Post #358.

He contributedntohis community in a variety of ways; often offering his knowledge and skills to those needing help with electrical, plumbing and construction concerns.   He was a kind, generous and responsible person who could be counted on to do more than his share.

By all accounts, he was a master hunter and gardner; a lover of NASCAR, tennis, basketball, baseball, football and wrestling.  A man of many talents, he was anavid domino, horseshoe, pool, and checker player.  Alton loved music including Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Ray Charles and Aretha Franklin.  He had a powerful voice and enjoyed singing spirituals and his favorite classics "How Great Thou Art" and " Precious Lord ".  He was a gentle spirit and a devout Christian man; who loved his family and encourages the same Christian principles in his children. In his later years, he enjoyed cooking southern food; fried fish, greens and his unique stove-top cornbread.

Alton was resilient; a loyal provider and a hard worker.  In the first year of integration of Montgomery County Schools,  Alton and Maxine sent all their children to Mount Gilead Elementary (then known as the White School).  Even when they and most black people feared the cruelty of racism, Alton and Maxine believed in dreams of a brighter tomorrow; challenging the racial divide and the obstacles they had to face.  The legacy of their vision and courage can be witnessed in the lives of their children.'

Alton Ulysses McCoy will continue to be loved and cherished in memory by his five children, Andell McCoy (Winfred), Almax McCoy (Perla), Greta Ingram (Harry), Gervase McCoy (Renee) and Kevinar McCoy (Corin).  A son Geoffrey McCoy predeceased Alton. Eight grandchildren and eight great-great-grandchildren; his extended family and friends.  He is also survived by loving brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A public viewing will be held 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm Wednesday, May 18, 2022 at  Harris Funeral Home and Cremations of MT. Gilead, NC  which is serving the McCoy, Bowden and extended families.

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