Justin's Story, Page One

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In Loving Memory of
Justin Anthony "Buck" McCoy
April 29, 1984 - June 25, 2003

Justin's Story

How do I begin to tell you about one of the two most precious gifts with which God has graciously blessed me? Here is Buck's story, it is so hard to try and compile his life
into a few pages.

Justin was born on April 29, 1984, at 7:00 p.m. on a Sunday evening. He weighed 9 lb. 12-1/2 oz. And was 23 inches long, he was a big, healthy boy. Justin was a toy for his Dad and I, we were amazed at everything he did, of course he was an exceptional child, he was ours. He was a pleasant, happy child and always had a smile for everyone that never changed throughout his life. He lived a very good and full life, it just wasn't long enough. He was just over 3 years old when we had his brother Ben, and he loved his baby brother, through their life they became the best of friends, always together and supported
each other in what they wanted to do.

Justin with his brother Ben at Christmas 1990.

Life was good and happy at the McCoy household. Justin had a wonderful childhood and was raised in the most perfect place that allowed him to experience everything any child would want to. Justin quickly took a liking to hunting, it was something his Dad had prayed for, a hunting partner, and he definitely had one in Justin. Every fall was something he looked forward to, first shooting his bow and getting ready for archery, then rifle season. He never missed a season.

Dad and Buck shooting their bows.

In November 2002, Justin killed a really nice 9-point buck, it was at the taxidermist, we got it back 2 weeks after his funeral, and he never got to see it mounted. Actually he got his nickname because of hunting, all the deer hunters took on the word Buck after their name, it was a hunting thing. He was referred to as Lil Buck in his younger years, and
once he got into Jr. High, he was then known as Buck or Bucky, it just fit him.

Ben and Justin with Grandma and Grandpa Mullins

Justin's personality was so awesome, he was so easy going but you knew where he stood on an issue if he felt passionate about it. Seldom would he have down days, he was just all about life and living it to its fullest. He loved his family and was quick to show his affection no matter where he was. Mark and I were truly blessed to have good sons. Justin's love for church grew tremendously when he came to Alabama; he developed a real closeness with the Lord and the church. I know this was all in God's plan for Buck's life. He, his Dad and his brother were on the church softball team and he really enjoyed it. I am so blessed. I told Mark, what 19 and 16 year old boys ask their parents on a Saturday night, "What are we going to do tonight, or where do you want to go out and eat?" Justin loved eating, it was his hobby, and you would think he would be huge but he only
weighed about 150 pounds. He was so handsome too.

Ben and Buck in February 2002

Birthday parties and getting together were always a good celebration for Justin, he had puppet shows, pony rides, cotton candy machines, gladiator events - they were always fun times. When he got older, we would invite a bunch out to dinner or pizza parties.
We had something for all of his 19 years.

Justin and all his McCoy cousins and grandmother, Christmas 2001.

Don't look at death and be bitter.
Don't look at it and refuse to see reality
Look through it and see God.

When a caterpillar comes to the end of its life,
it turns into a beautiful butterfly.
When a Christian comes to the end of their life,
he wakes up in a beautiful new beginning.
Written by Justin's grandmother, Doris Mullins

Justin's graduation picture and card.

This past year I honestly feel has been in God's plan. When Justin started college at Marshall University in West Virginia in September 2002, it was the hardest time of my life. He had never been away from me and I did not handle it well. I missed him terribly. At the same time he went off to Marshall we moved to Alabama, which was worse because he was 10 hours away. He missed us, but he did well in those few months he was away. He had grown into such a fine young man, so responsible. He had a job and did well in his classes and visited us several times when he had a long weekend. I think this time of separation was God letting us (Mark, Ben and I) see that we could still be a family unit without Justin. After Christmas we allowed him to leave Marshall and move to Alabama with us. He was going to pick up his college in the fall of 2003 here in Alabama.
We were all so happy.

Justin with his friend and college roommate Brendan.

This decal was made by my cousin who does these. Some of the hearts are red, and other colors also. It is good to see them on peoples' cars when you drive by as a memorial to Bucky.

I'm Free

Don't grieve for me, for now I'm free
I'm following the path God laid for me.
I took His hand when I heard Him call
I turned my back and left it all.

I could not stay another day
To laugh, to love, to work or play.
Tasks left undone must stay that way.
I found that place at the close of day.

If my passing has left a void
Then fill it with remembered joy.
A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss.
Ah yes, these things, I too, will miss.

Be not burdened with times of sorrow.
I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow.
My life's been full, I savored much
Good friends, good times, a loved one's touch.

Perhaps my time seemed all too brief;
Don't lengthen it now with undue grief.
Lift up your heart and share with me
God wanted me now, He set me free.
~ Author unknown