Mr. Joe Nathan McKoy, 77, of Bear Creek, North Carolina entered into eternal rest on Tuesday, November 19, 2024. 

“When peace like a river attended my way, when sorrows like sea billows roll, Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say, It is well, it is well, with my soul”

Our beloved Deacon Joe Nathan McKoy quietly and peacefully passed away Tuesday night, November 19, 2024, at home with the love of his wife and family surrounding him.

The Journey: Joe Nathan McKoy was born on October 10, 1947, the fifth of eight children born to the late Edward Quentilius McKoy and the late Missionary Dora Elizabeth Spruill McKoy. Joe Nathan graduated from JS Waters School in 1966. In 1969, he met the love of his life, who also became his best friend, Phyllis Womack of Broadway, NC. They would marry on July 1, 1972, and shared over 52 years of married life. They became Christopher and Sharon’s parents and were later blessed to be grandparents.

Work: Joe began his career at Saco-Lowell Company in Sanford, NC, in 1966 as a stockroom clerk, where he was employed for 13 years. In 1980, Saco-Lowell moved to Easley, SC, and he was given the opportunity to relocate. Because of his love for his family and church, which needed him more, he realized that relocating was not an option. God often works behind the scenes, so the company recommended him for a job at Siemens, a new company in Sanford. He also worked there for seven years as a Stock room clerk until the company moved to Knightdale, NC. He retired from Siemens in 1988. While at Siemens, he was honored by the company with the Black Achiever Award. This was presented to Joe because of his dedication, work ethic, integrity, and attitude toward his job. Upon retirement, Joe went into business with his younger brother Brinn, and they worked many years at McKoy Carpentry. One of the highlights of thems working together was rebuilding the Mt. Sinai Church in Siler City.

Life: Joe knew giving was more of a blessing than receiving. His generosity knew no bounds, and he lived a life filled with tremendous passion and service towards others. He was highly active throughout his entire life, always busy working. He was a beautiful soul who would help anyone that called on him. His radiant smile was infectious and would light up any room he entered. He had the gift of making others smile, leaving a lasting impact on all who crossed his path. His roles as a husband, father, grandfather, brother, church member, and friend are lovingly emphasized, sharing qualities of unconditional love, strength, and generosity that extend beyond his immediate family to encompass a wide network of loved ones. Joe’s faith in God was a testament to a life well lived.

Church: Joe was an example of a man driven by purpose and trust in God. He was appointed and served as a Deacon in the Mt. Sinai United Holy Church for many years. He worked faithfully in support of his Pastor and Bishop. A loyal servant of God, he was dedicated to playing his guitar in the service of the Lord, not only at his church but also at churches far and near. He loved God, and he loved his church.

Music: One of Joe’s most commendable accomplishments was his status as an accomplished musician. Music was a language, solace, and method of connecting with the Lord. He enjoyed good gospel (quartet) music and would mimic some of it. He was an original Rising Stars Quartet member, consisting of his brothers, brother-in-law, cousin Robert, and church friend Deacon JC Marsh. They traveled both in and out of state, spreading the gospel in song. In addition to the Rising Stars, Joe was also the guitarist for the Gethsemane Mixed Chorus and Young Voices and the Mt. Sinai Fellowship Choir. He was a gifted musician willing to share his talent to teach others desiring to learn to play the guitar, especially with his son, Chris. They would gather in the living room and have challenges to see who could play a song better, showing each other what they knew. Playing the guitar with his brother Louis “Bob” was a highlight of their rehearsals. It was the anointing in his life that made the difference. There was something extraordinary when the Holy Spirit was on him. The spirit could be felt throughout the service, and this could not be denied.

Eternity: Now that Joe has passed into the arms of our Lord, his physical life on earth is over, but it is just the beginning of an eternal and beautiful journey for him. While our hearts mourn Joe’s passing, we take comfort in knowing a beacon of kindness and love will forever reside in our hearts.

Family: Loved ones that preceded Joe in death include his parents, Edward Q. and Elizabeth McKoy, and his nephew/godson, Kendrick R. McKoy.

Joe is survived by his dedicated and loving wife, Phyllis Womack McKoy of the home; his children, each cherished and deeply loved, Christopher Quentilius (Paula) of Moncure, NC and Sharon and Janelle, both of Sanford, NC; his grandchildren, Kyasia McKoy, of Burlington, NC, Jamia Harrington of Bunnlevel, NC, Kendra Janae Baldwin of Sanford, Jalen Graham (Briana) and Jasmine Graham, all of Moncure, NC; a great-grandchild, Ezekiel Graham of Moncure; Joe’s siblings, who shared in his journey, Edward McKoy (Elaine), John McKoy (Golia), Bishop Roy McKoy (Alice Jean), Nancy McKoy Dowdy (Richard), Brinn McKoy (Elder Belinda), Louis McKoy (Janice) and Michele McKoy Dowdy; special friends, Makynli Wicker, Eddie Bynes, Alton Hollis and Onita Howard; his brothers-in-law, Thurman Womack (Sarah) of Farmville VA, Larry Womack of Broadway, NC and Harry Chubbs, Sr. (Dianne) of Sanford; a sister-in-law, Reverend Eudora Womack of Lillington, NC; his aunts, Pastor Pearline McMilliam of Sanford, Mrs. Emily Spruill of Greensboro, NC, Helena McCormick of Chicago, IL, Edna Yarborough (Louis) and Vernell Simmons (Reverend Arthur) both of Broadway; his nieces, Yolanda McKoy, goddaughter, Pamela McKoy, Larissa Dowdy, goddaughter, Kristin McKoy, Jocelyn McKoy, Kalyn McLean (Terry), Farryn McKoy, Fabrien McKoy, Donnice Chubbs of Atlanta, GA, Kimberly Exum of Alexandria, VA, Diane Womack of Cameron, NC, Sheilneil Feaster and Shelia Womack, both of Broadway; his nephews, Elder Raychon McKoy (Robin), Elder Richard Dowdy, Stefen McKoy (Tammy), Justin McKoy (Karmesia), Cedric McKoy, Elder Harry Chubbs, Jr. (Natalie), Raydale Womack of Alexandria VA, Jerome Womack (Kelly) of Broadway; and Jeffery Womack of Greenville; many cousins, extended family and a plethora of friends.

Please keep the family and friends of Mr. Joe Nathan McKoy in your thoughts and prayers. 

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