Michael Andrae McCoy, 46, of Monticello, passed away Saturday, April 16. Michael was born April 20, 1975, to Sim McCoy, Jr. (Tran) and Nettie McCoy Gardner of Monticello. Preceding Michael in death: one son, Cameron McCoy; two brothers: Marvin McCoy and Kenneth McCoy; grandparents: Otis and Leona Goodman of Monticello and Sim McCoy Sr. and Margaret McCoy of Wilmar.
Michael was a member of the Class of 1994 of Monticello High School. During his adolescent years, Mike enjoyed playing baseball at Jordan Park. He enjoyed the game so much that he would put his complete baseball uniform on very early. Mike would literally get ready for the game around 10 a.m. and the game wasn't until 6 p.m. Moving on up as a Junior High Student, Mike enjoyed playing a little football. The coach wanted to play Michael as a running back but Mike had his own agenda and considered himself as “Mr. Toughman” and put himself in the position of ''Linebacker''. At that time, Michael really wanted to be a linebacker because it was a guy on the team that he really didn't like so he used that position to practice tackling him. But within a short time, that particular guy, named Tony Shephard became a very close, lifelong friend of Michael.
Michael was a member of The Word Church in Monticello where he served as an usher. Michael took this position very seriously. As Psalms 84:10 (NIV) reads, Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere; I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked. Michael loved being a ‘’door keeper’’ of the church. Mike looked forward to being ''suited'' and ''booted'' as he held his position with pride and respect.
Michael also enjoyed hanging out with friends. His typical weekend consisted of playing dominoes at his house and relaxing in his sister's yard while listening to music with his buddies. He also would make his rounds checking on all his friends after getting off work to see what was up for the weekend. ''Legendary Ice Mike'' as he was widely known as literally the life of the party and everyone knew that. Mike enjoyed stepping out in his heavy-starched clothes straight from the cleaners with some new shoes and a cap to match while maintaining a perfect smile.
Michael's passion was bodybuilding and fitness training. Michael trained his clients with patience, care, discipline, and understanding. His motto was ''No Days Off-No Excuses''. Michael pushed all his clients to their potential and helped them reach their goals. Michael was a trainer for many years. He even branched out and created his own logo of ''Pushing Weight Legal'' PWL. After several career shifts, Michael found a new passion for painting vehicles. He had big plans and was prepping to paint his Mercedes Benz ''Wine Berry Red'' for his Birthday.
Michael was a very loveable guy who cherished spending time with his family. Mike loved everyone and had a special bond with his children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. Michael would move mountains for his grandchildren. Mike loved hearing the grandkids holler out ''Papa Mike''. Mike would pick the kids up and keep them the whole weekend. He might be a little worn out by the time it was Sunday but he wouldn't have it any other way. Mike enjoyed reminiscing on old times, working out, grilling, looking good, dancing, joking, clowning around, and just being the ''Life of the Party.'' Everywhere Mike went he left a lasting impression.
From attending classes at UAM, to detailing vehicles, he left a lasting impression; from working at Tyson to working at the County Department in Warren, from working at Kohl's in Dallas to Gold's Gym, from working at All-Time Fitness Club to Patrick's Auto Wash, from working at L & J Kustom Body to leaving this Earthly Realm, he left a lasting impression.
Michael is survived by his children: Treyvon Daniels, DeVantre Daniels (Ellatrice) of Pine Bluff; Braylon McCoy of Little Rock, and Ya'Niah McCoy of Monticello, his siblings: Marshall McCoy (Pamela), Valerie Deshazer (Josh Roston) of Monticello; Kimberlee Johnson of Whitehall, and Mario McCoy (Marquita) of Houston. Michael is further survived by three grandchildren: Ellaiya Lee Daniels, Ivyanna Lee Daniels, and Major J'Ceon Daniels all of Pine Bluff; three nephews: Stacy Harris, Jr. and Dennard Shaw of Monticello, and Windell Johnson Jr. of Whitehall, six nieces: Tommyah Deshazer, Jaize Roston, Kamisha Washington, Sharece Thomas of Monticello, Brooklyn Johnson of Whitehall, and Breshonna Ware of Milwaukee, Wis., and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, neighbors, classmates, church members, and a close friend until the end: Jennifer-Tucker McCoy.
