Greenwood Soul Mates – Charles McCoy Sr.
For us, “soul” represents that unique essence each person contributes to their community, weaving a colorful tapestry of stories, talents, cultural experiences, and more. In Greenwood, this tapestry is formed by numerous unique individuals whose captivating stories and deep connections to the region’s food, music and history define our identity as a town and make Greenwood such an extraordinary place to visit. These remarkable individuals are our “Soul Mates.”
In every town, there are individuals whose quiet work, genuine spirit, and commitment to others form the heartbeat of the community. In Greenwood, Mississippi, one such person is Charles McCoy Senior. Spend 10 minutes with him and you’ll turn into a believer of his mission for community service.
Though he’s called Greenwood home for four decades, Charles’ roots run through nearby Clarksdale, Mississippi, where he was born, raised and attended high school. He went on to study at Coahoma Community College – an experience he proudly credits with laying the foundation for everything that came next.
After Coahoma, Charles began commuting to Greenwood in the early 1980s, eventually making the move permanent in 1985. It was his wife Linda, a Greenwood native, who drew him in. But it was the town itself and its people that made him stay. The couple married in 1986, raised three children, and are now proud grandparents of two.
“The friendliness of Greenwood, the atmosphere and the people are what truly make this home,” he said. “The people here are just so kind and genuine. You meet folks, and it’s like you’ve known them your whole life.”
That feeling of warmth is something he’s both received and returned. For nearly 40 years, he’s been an active member of New Zion Baptist Church, where he serves as a deacon, manages finances and stays involved in outreach and mentorship.
But Charles’s influence extends far beyond his church walls.
Since 1985, he’s worked at the local grocery store – originally County Market, now Greenwood Marketplace – where he’s become a familiar face and trusted voice.
“What a great job I have because I get to meet everybody in town,” he says. “I talk to folks all day long. I answer questions, hear concerns, and sometimes, it just a fun conversation.”
His daily interactions at the store placed him at the heart of Greenwood life and in 2005, it sparked another passion: public service. Charles has now served on the Greenwood City Council for 20 years, bringing his same steady purpose to city leadership.
“It’s all about community service,” he says. “You’re involved in everything that happens, you run the city daily, and the biggest part of it is connecting with people. We are in this for the betterment of Greenwood. Of course, we disagree on things, but at the end of the day, we come back together to do what’s best for the city. That’s what matters.”
When Charles is up for reelection, he keeps the same campaign slogan, which fully describes not only his leadership but his life philosophy.
“When the community is united as one, the impossible becomes possible,” he said. “Treat people the way you want to be treated and respect everyone. That’s the Golden Rule.”
Outside of city business and community service, Charles continues his deep commitment to local organizations. He’s involved with Greenwood/Leflore Chamber of Commerce, the Salvation Army, the Boys & Girls Club, the Bill Clay Greenwood Mentoring Group and his Masonic lodge. He even manages to find time for Bikes, Blues & Bayous.
When he’s not serving others, Charles is simply enjoying life. He’s an avid fisherman, a die-hard Cowboys fan, a golfer and an enthusiastic dancer…especially line dancing. Ask him about it and he lights up.
“I love dancing,” he said. “Ask anybody because they already know.”
But perhaps the clearest glimpse into Charles McCoy’s heart comes through in how he celebrates others. With his own money, he throws birthday parties for Greenwood residents aged 90 and up if he knows about them. Just this past May, he helped host a parade and celebration for Ms. Annabelle Brooks, who turned 103.
“We had a parade and big party that ended at the youth center,” he said. “We had so much fun, and she still dances at 103. Too many people in this world push senior citizens aside, but they deserve our respect. Sometimes people get older and feel like the world’s passed them by. But we’ve got to let them know they’re still part of the story.”
As Charles reflects on Greenwood, one word keeps coming up: Unique.
“We have a different culture of people who come together on their own accord to celebrate each other and this community,” he said. “That makes Greenwood so unique.”
And when talking about soul, Charles makes it personal.
“When I think about the caring and loving attitude shown daily by Greenwood people, it proves their commitment to a great town and that’s where we get our soul,” he said.
Charles likes to use a twist on a famous quote when discussing community involvement.
“Ask not what Greenwood can do for you; ask what you can do for Greenwood,” Charles says with a laugh.
It may be said with humor, but he means every word. And as long as Charles McCoy is around, you can bet Greenwood will continue to shine – powered by people who believe in service, in connection and in each other –just like he does.
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