Pastor Walter Lee McKoy

Walter Lee McKoy was born in Wilmington, NC to the late Irvin J. and Nettie J. McKoy on January 19, 1933. He was the second born of seven children, two of which preceded him in death, Irvin Jr and Norris McKay. He peacefully transitioned from his earthly labor to his heavenly home on September 18, 2020. He grew up in North Carolina and attended public school in New Hanover County and graduated from Williston High School class of 1953, attended Wilmington College, Thomas Nelson College and was a graduate of Weeks Bible Institute. Walter met and fell in love with Athalia McKeller. They were married on June 20, 1953, in Conway, South Carolina. This union was blessed with six lovely children: Russell, Cedre, Carl, James, Karen and Walter. He also served as a second father to his daughters-in-law Rose and Cynthia. He played a vital role in the lives of his 11 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren, living every day as an example of what it means to love unconditionally and provide unlimited devotion to family. In 1945, at the age of 12, his heart was pricked by a sermon preached by Reverend Sam Jones, titled "One Step Between Me and Death". It was at that time, he accepted Christ as his personal Savior. In 1946, as the church was being renovated, Macedonia F.B.H. Church temporarily held services under a tent under the 6th Street bridge in Wilmington, NC, it was young Bro. McKay who led the march to the new structure, playing his snare drum. Bro. McKoy served under many Pastors at Macedonia. Out of his love for music, in 1952, he organized a singing group and named it the Gospel Keys. The Gospel Keys traveled throughout the Carolinas spreading the gospel of Christ through song. In 1953-1955, he proudly served his country in the United States Army. It was 1957 that Bro. McKay acknowledged his calling to the ministry and preached his initial sermon at Macedonia F.B.H. Church.Reverend McKay preached at many churches in Wilmington and the surrounding areas proclaiming the good news about Jesus Christ. As he preached many were saved, healed and delivered. In 1962, Walter and Athalia moved to Newport News, VA and raised their family.During the first 4 years in Newport New they worked faithfully in many capacities at Mt. Calvary F.B.H. Church. After 30 years of dedicate civilian service in the U.S. Government,he graciously entered retirement. Upon retiring he was presented with the " Distinguished Superior Civil Se ice Award and was the first African American to receive this award from the Army Office of The Inspector General. In October 1966 Reverend McKoy was appointed Pastor of Solomons Temple F.B.H. Church in Richmond, VA by the Board of Bishops and Presiding Elder P.S. McDaniels. From 1966 - 2020,he pastored with great dedication and commitment, traveling with his family, at times up to 100 miles one way for services every week. In 1985, as the church grew, the Lord blessed and the church was able to relocate to a larger edifice on P Street in Richmond. The work of the Lord continued under his leadership and souls continued to be added to the kingdom. It was in 2001 when God opened doors for the purchase of the current location of Solomons Temple located on 20th Street in Richmond. Pastor McKoy was grateful to see God fulfill his vision of purchasing a church in Richmond. In 1997 Pastor McKoy was ordained as Elder and for the next 9 Years he served as the presiding Elder of the Washington/Virginia District. During this time, he followed the guidance of the Holy Spirit as he faithfully served on the District. His greatest desire was to see the churches on the District worked together in the spirit of love,cohesiveness and unity. He believed that by working together, the District could be strong in the work of the Lord. In December 2019, the title of Honorary Bishop was bestowed upon him in the Fire Baptized Holiness Church of God of The Americas, under the auspices of Bishops P.L. Frazier, Bishop J.L. Davis and Bishop AL. Rogers. He leaves to cherish his memory: His devoted wife of 67 years, Athalia; six loving children: Russell, Cedre, Carl, James, Karen, Walter; two daughters-in law - Rose and Cynthia; 11 grandchildren Tiwana, Lesley III, Russell Jr, Regis, Corwin, Justin, Destini, Jordan, Kennedi, McKenzi, Colin, Layla, and six great-grandchildren: Jailyn, Tyshira, Ariana, Ava, Riley and Jody; One Brother: Eugene McCoy; Three Sisters: Leola(Marion) Bethune, Eunice(Reginald) Bowens and Betty McKoy; Two Godchildren: Louis Golden and DeMars Burton; Solomons Temple Church Family, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family and friends. Your Life Gave Us Memories Too Beautiful To Forget "

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Pastor Walter Lee McKoy

January 19, 1933 - September 18, 2020