Robert Earl McCoy

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Each life has a purpose and ends when that purpose has completed. Early on Thursday morning February 24, 2022, in Detroit Michigan, Robert left this life behind.

Robert Earl McCoy was born on October 18, 1932, in Yazoo, City, Mississippi to the late Beatrice McCoy and Albert Lee Gerald. Preceding him in death were two aunts who helped raise him, Lillie Solomon and Emma L. McCoy.

In 1943, his grandparents, the late Kelly and Emma A. McCoy moved from Mississippi to Detroit with their three grandsons, Robert, James (dec.) and Melvin, to rejoin their mothers who had gone ahead to secure a home for them and a new life. Robert was enrolled in McGraw Elementary, later McMichael Junior High and Northwestern High Schools in Detroit. While attending Northwestern he was the best Trombone player in the school band. He loved music and had an incredible voice. Often participating in singing competitions on the radio. One of the most memorable songs was “Oh, Danny Boy.” He was loved by many and was the apple of his mother’s eye. Later, in 1994, Robert had always wanted to complete his high school education. Attending the Ferndale Adult Education Program, he received his diploma with joy.

In 1950, he was drafted into the United States Army and served his country during wartime, here and in Korea. Robert served from 1950-1953 and received an honorable discharge. That same year he met and married Joycelyne Hackley of Toronto, Ontario, Canada and made a home in

Detroit, Michigan. To that union they bore three beautiful children, Roberta Doreen, Ricky Duval, and Rowland Eugene. Robert loved and was exceptionally proud of his children and their

accomplishments. He talked about them all the time.

Robert met and married Christine Naomi Rhea and they were married on September 12, 1977 and celebrated 44 years of marriage last year. They enjoyed many of the same things, especially, their love for gardening which showed in their finely manicured and picturesque back yard.

Robert had a reputation of being suave and debonaire both in dress, style and actions (smooth). His voice was mesmerizing. He had the most loving and kind spirit and he made you feel

comfortable whenever you connected with him. He was not short on talents and could do almost

anything. He attended and graduated from Michigan Barber School in Detroit, later owning his own shop, LeEbony, on W. Seven Mile. He was an accomplished carpenter (a skill he learned by helping his grandfather). He could fix everything and remodel anything, including making

furniture. Often, the late Lamont Kevin Floyd, Sr. assisted and learned much from him.

Robert could warm you with his amazing smile and unexpected quick humor and wit. He will truly be missed. Until we meet again, rest in peace Robert. 

His memory lives on through his three children: Roberta Floyd, and Ricky McCoy, of Detroit,

Michigan and  Rowland McCoy, DDS (Loretta) of Lake Alfred, Florida; two grandsons: Dion Floyd of Detroit, Michigan and Elijah McCoy of Lake Alfred, Florida; two granddaughters: Rita McCoy (Cyril) of Detroit, Michigan; and Amber McCoy of Ogden, Utah; great-grands: Lamont Kevin Floyd, Jr., Taja Floyd, both of Detroit, Michigan; Lamiya Smith, and Lamonte Smith of Houston, Texas; Donovan, Dimeria, CJ, Marshall, Steffany, and Haiden, all of Detroit, Michigan; great-great granddaughter: Dream  A’Dore Floyd of Detroit, Michigan, cousins: Melvin Metzler (Shirley Ann) of  Detroit, Michigan, Marjorie Strickland (James) of Aliquippa, Pennsylvania, Aletha Solomon of Enterprise, Alabama, and Valerie Metzler of Detroit, Michigan. Many extended family and friends. Special friend: Joseph Barnes of Detroit, Michigan