Edgar Lee Coy

To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: 

In this season is a time to be born and so it was for Edgar Lee Coy, Jr.  born May 30, 1935, in Tampa Florida, to Edgar and Ella Mae Coy. The second eldest of six children, he was affectionately called *Top* by his brothers, and "Coy" by some, but was known by many as *Sonny*.

Sonny's journey of life learning began at Mt. Calvary SDA Elementary School and Carver Junior High.  Upon graduating from Middleton Senior High, Sonny set his sights on the U. S, Army where he proudly served from September 1, 1953, and was honorably discharged as Private First Class on August 31, 1956.

Shortly after being discharged from the U. S. Army, Sonny went to visit his dad and two brothers who had relocated to Chicago, Illinois. He left and returned home to Florida for one year to work but in 1958, decided to move permanently to Chicago where he lived briefly with his daddy. Little did Sonny know that he*d find his beautiful wife Freddie Delores, age 18, living above his father.

In September 1959, Sonny and Freddie Delores were married and to this union four children were born: Sharon Denise, Felicia Ann, Kevin Darron (preceded in death) and Shawn. Sonny and Freddie were married 26 years until her untimely death in July, 1983.  In 1985, God blessed Sonny in marriage to lovely, soft spoken Evelyn Whaley. No children were born to this union; however, Sonny became stepdad to little beautiful Ashley Whaley, age one.

Raised in a God-fearing household, Sonny*s mother and siblings regularly attended Sabbath Worship services. Sonny recommitted his life to Christ and was baptized on August 30,1986 and began his Christian journey at New Life SDA Church, Chicago. His family indeed witnessed a *new creature in Christ*, God*s grace abounding toward Sonny both to will and do, for God*s good pleasure. He is one of the founding members of New Life SDA, which celebrates 36 years in October, 2022.  Sonny loved God, his church and his church family. He regularly attended Sabbath services until COVID and declining health no longer permitted him. As COVID restrictions lifted making it possible to resume church services, Sonny was looking forward to returning. Sonny faithfully served as Deacon, assisted in the Treasury Department, active with the Men*s Ministry, Community Services and served on the Hospitality Ministry.

Sonny was a hardworking man and family provider.  In 1959, he became employed as a CTA Bus driver where he received a recognition award for outstanding customer service.  After leaving the CTA Sonny became employed at Buttermaid Bakery.  He worked the night shift. He would bring home sweet goodies and line up one on the table for each of his three children for when they woke up.

After many years at Buttermaid, Sonny felt entrepreneurial and stepped out to become a successful owner operatorforrr in the trucking business.* He even encouraged his favored son-in-law to embark on a career in trucking.*After many years in trucking, Sonny semi-retired and became founder and owner of ELCO Pest Control Services. He worked in this occupation until he began to experience health challenges.

Sonny has a very close-knit family. He was a family man and loved family gatherings, and going to birthday buffet dinners.* He loved, loved, loved playing dominoes and often wanted to play to the score of 500.* A *night owl* you can find him *surfing* the internet and watching YouTube tutorials and videos. In his younger adult days, he would often go fishing with his brothers and was a skilled handyman around the house and liked indoor gardening.* Sonny loved cooking, trying new recipes and he loved music (especially Mahalia Jackson) and other artists.* He enjoyed collecting coins and foreign currency, reading, *Flex-a-sizing* (his created innovative way to exercising) making his *snake oil* rub, and sorting through huge bags of junk mail were also his favorite pastimes. You could find Sonny always busy keeping himself busy.

Sonny was a quiet-cool child and protector of his mother and siblings.* He was ingenious, always attempting to invent something or rigging up and making contraptions as a teen AND as an adult. Sonny had a nickname for his grand and great children that all rhymed. He had a sense of humor, was a father who meant what he said with a cool, calm demeanor. Sonny was never one to complain, even in ill health he was *SUPER FANTASTIC*. Sonny loved and is loved. He was indeed a champ and a man of principles and will always be remembered as a patriarch. To God be all the glory and all the praise for blessing Sonny with a long life of 87 years and his family is overwhelmingly thankful.

Sonny*s earthly journey ended on September 28, 2022. Many heartfelt memories will be cherished by his three children: Sharon (Thomas), Felicia, Shawn (Teria); grandchildren Thomeka *Meek*, Devonda *Deek*, Kellye *Kellye-Mae*, Nikkia *Keek*, Shawn Edgar, Temia; great grandchildren: Makell  *Mac*; and Jeremiah *Jake*; two loving sisters Frankie Cartwright and Doretha Russell; a loving friend Evelyn Coy, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and in-laws; church family and friends.

Sonny  was preceded in death by Freddie Delores (wife), Kevin Coy (son); Kenny and Wilbur Coy (brothers), Cheryl Bellamy (sister).   

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