Submitted by Robert L. Haddock
The Baptist Trumpet
Killeen, Bell Co., Texas
December 1930
(Resolution written by Bro. W. T. Carter, pastor of Beulah Church at that time)
Resolution of Respect
Deacon J.
M. McCoy
(6/7/1856-11/4/1930)
Lula McCoy - Daughter of J. M. McCoy
The subject of this article, deacon J. M. McCoy, was born in Butler County, Alabama, June 7, 1856, where he came to manhood. When about twenty-two years of age, he went to Henry County, where he was married to Miss Vesta Galloway, who still lives. In 1886, they moved to Texas, settling in Milam county, I think, coming from there to the Bulah* community. In 1894, he and Sister Mccoy joined Bulah* church and was baptized by Elder T. R. Allen, who was the pastor of that church so long and under whose pastorate the church grew to be one of the strongest Primitive Baptist churches of this section for a number of years. Brother McCoy’s love for the brotherhood and interest in the cause led the membership to feel that he was a deacon in spirit and qualification and being convinced of this they asked for his ordination, which was done in October, 1904.
Though Brother McCoy was modest and unassuming, he was a man of sober mind; thinking carefully and soberly for himself to find the narrow way of right; and then he walked therein, as he saw it. Being a student of the faith and practice of the Primitive Baptist church from long before he had membership with them, he felt that he was familiar with the true principles of the church, and loved them so sincerely that he stood firmly on them during every trial. And though many of those whom he loved were led to follow men into what he believed to be disorder, he was never as much as shaken, and died walking in the old paths.
Nine children were born to Brother and Sister McCoy, two dying in infancy. Three boys and four girls are living and were present when their parents celebrated their fiftieth marriage anniversary two or three years ago, surrounded by many of their neighbors and friends. As we stated in a former article, the end of Brother McCoy’s pilgrimage on earth came on last November 4, making him a little more than 74 years old. Elders Len Dalton and J. C. Morgan, whom he loved dearly, were present and took part in the services at the burial.
W. T. Carter
* - Should be spelled Beulah.-rlh
Additional info given by James Andrews
"Note: J. M. (John Marion) McCoy and his wife, Vesta (Vesta Penelope) are buried at Beulah/Hoolia Cemetery in Falls
County, Texas. Three of their granddaughters from the marriage of son James Marion (also nicknamed "Bud")
McCoy and Minnie Lee Harris still survive and are currently living in
Temple, Bell Co., Texas and another granddaughter also from James Marion "Bud" McCoy
and Minnie Lee Harris currently resides in San Angelo, Texas."
The Resolution of Respect notes "Nine children were born to
Brother and Sister McCoy, two dying in infancy". It should be noted that
the two children not surviving are infant twins and share a common grave (or a
single surviving marker) next to their parents at Hoolia Beulah Cemetery.
I'm a son-in-law to Allen White McCoy
(one of James Marion McCoy's sons).
