Mr. Edward McKoy, Jr., 84, of Sanford, North Carolina entered into eternal rest on Friday, August 29, 2025, at Westfield Rehabilitation & Health Center, Sanford, North Carolina.  

Edward McKoy, Jr., was born on November 2, 1940, to the late Edward Quentilius and Dora Elizabeth Spruill McKoy in Goldston, North Carolina. “June”, as he was affectionately known, was the  eldest child of eight siblings. He transitioned to his Heavenly Father peacefully on Friday evening, August 29, 2025, at 6:20 pm in his room at Westfield Rehabilitation and Health Center in  Sanford, North Carolina.

“June” was educated in the Chatham County School system. He graduated from J.S. Waters High School in 1960, after which he joined the workforce full-time. He met the lovely Beatrice Elaine  Swann shortly after. They were married in December 1963, sharing more than 61 years. They raised two beautiful girls, affectionately known and lovingly acknowledged as their daughters, Dr.  Eugenia “Bootsie” Perkins and the late Monique Yvette Brooks, often referred to as ““June”’s Girls.”

“June” worked for the Lee County School system, Pomona Pipe Products, Howard Willett Trucking Company, Siler City Mills, Jimmy Hancock’s Trucking Company, and the Harnett County School  system. He retired in 2003. Following his retirement, he embarked on a new path of entrepreneurship, starting the Senior Citizens’ Trash Service. His dedication and passion for assisting seniors  in the community were the catalyst behind his vision. He did not just serve the community in this capacity, he also poured into them spiritually. He would share his testimony, the Word of God, and  good sound advice whenever given the opportunity. His customers knew they could count on him. “June”’s work ethic and integrity spoke volumes about the man he was. Colossians 3:23 states,  “And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men.” No matter what line of work “June” found himself doing, excellence would be his hallmark.

“June” was reared in the Macedonia AME Zion Church in Gulf, North Carolina, and later joined Gethsemane Holy Church under the leadership of his maternal grandmother, the late Elder Myrtle  Spruill. He would later serve under the leadership of his second youngest brother, Bishop Roy L. McKoy, his pastor. “June” accepted his Lord and Savior at an early age. He was an inspiration to  his younger siblings. His heart for Christ forged a passion for singing that broke chains and destroyed yokes. He started his singing career in the early fifties with the Standing Echoes. He was the  tenor singer for the Original Rising Stars, a group formed in 1955 consisting of his brothers, brother-in-law, cousin Robert, and church friend, the late Deacon JC Marsh. Unequivocally, “June” was  the smoothest, most anointed tenor singer to ever do it! He had an undeniable melodic keen tone that was often imitated but never duplicated. You always knew when the Holy Spirit was having  His way with “June”. The signs were evident as tears flowed; he would pull on his jacket, grab his handkerchief, walk back and forth, raising his hand, thanking, and praising God.

The love “June” had for his family was unparalleled. It was not just contained within his nuclear family. It expanded far beyond. He had a special bond with his nieces and nephews. He would bring them Christmas gifts from the time they were born until they graduated high school. There was always an adventure with “Uncle “June”” and lots of laughter, especially when he would express  himself as only he could. Using phrases like: “Sho Nuff, Like I Don’t Know What, Double Burger With Cheese, the Win-In-Dixie, Keep On Coming Like Ya Coming, Hold It In the Road, Cotton-Pickin, I Hauled Bricks All Up and Down In There, and everyone’s favorite: BAM-A-LAM-A-LAM!” Whether it was traveling with him on the road in his 18-wheeler truck, going to a gospel singing,  (or as he would call it, “the sangin”), helping him rake leaves, or just simply dining out, the love was apparent.

“June” was a husband, father, son, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend. However, one of his proudest titles was “Grand Pop.” He adored his “Tiny.” She would brighten up his day any time he saw  her. He talked about her often. Always beaming with excitement at the mere mention of her name. Due to his paralysis and being in the nursing home, he needed assistance with mobility and  running errands. He would often tell his brother John to stop at the store so he could get “Tiny” something. Giving was his love language. One time, he was on a mission to find her a bicycle. Despite his physical inability and circumstances, he was determined to get her a bike. She got that bike! 

“June” was a man of great distinction and style. It was reflected in his crisp shirts, creased pants, shined shoes, groomed hair, and clean automobiles. He believed in taking care of what God  blessed him with. “June” lived a whole, purpose-driven life, serving God, loving his family, singing, working, traveling, and blessing others. Even when his health declined, he found fulfillment in  giving and providing for others. He never used his disability as an excuse not to assist those in need. We will forever love and cherish the memories of our beloved ‘“June”.’ Though our hearts are  grieved, we find solace in knowing if we live right, “Heaven Belongs to Us,” and “Oh What a Meeting” that will be!

During “June’s lifetime, he mourned the passing of his parents, Edward Quentilius and Dora Elizabeth Spruill McKoy, his daughter, Monique Yvette Brooks, his brother, Joe Nathan McKoy, niece,  Toni Dowdy; and nephew, Kendrick Roy’el McKoy.

He leaves to cherish and celebrate his memory, his loving and devoted wife, Beatrice Elaine McKoy of the home; one daughter, Dr. Eugenia “Bootsie” M. Perkins of Charlotte, NC; one  granddaughter, Claudia “Ally” Alise Sanders of Charlotte, NC; six siblings, John McKoy (Golia), Bishop Roy McKoy (Alice Jean), Nancy Dowdy (Richard), Brinn McKoy (Elder Belinda), Louis “Bob” McKoy (Janice), and Michele “Marsha” Dowdy; two sisters-in-law, Phyllis Womack McKoy and Shirley Swann; a brother-in-law, Joe Swann (Brenda); two aunts, Pastor Pearline McMillian and Mrs. Emily Spruill; ten nieces, Yolanda McKoy, Larissa Dowdy, Sharon McKoy, Pamela McKoy, Kristin McKoy, Jocelyn McKoy, Kalyn McLean (Terry), Farryn McKoy, Fabrien McKoy, and Tammy  Swann; eleven nephews, Elder Raychon McKoy (Robin), Elder Richard Dowdy, Stefen McKoy (Tammy), Christopher McKoy, Justin McKoy (Karmesia), Cedric McKoy, Mark Swann, Jeff Swann,  Derrick Swann, Joel Swann, and Brian Swann (Raquel); one goddaughter, Bridgett Watson; and a host of great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins and friends.

Please keep the family and friends of Mr. Edward McKoy, Jr. in your thoughts and prayers. 

Arrangements are entrusted to McLeod Funeral Home of Sanford, North Carolina.