Billy McCormack (Louisiana pastor) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Billy Ervin McCormack
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| Born | August 4, 1928 Bienville Parish, Louisiana, USA
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| Died | May 31, 2012 (aged 83) |
| Resting place | Providence Cemetery, Ringgold, Louisiana |
| Alma mater | Northwestern State University National Christian University |
| Occupation | Southern Baptist clergyman National director of Christian Coalition of America |
| Years active | c. 1950–2012 |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse(s) | Carolyn Tomme (d. 2005) Barbara Talley (m. 2006–12, his death) |
| Children | Victoria Lynn Williams Patricia Jane McCormack Reeves William Michael McCormack |
Billy Ervin McCormack (August 4, 1928 – May 31, 2012) was a Christian minister from Shreveport, Louisiana. He was a Southern Baptist clergyman for over sixty years.
McCormack was known as a leader of the "Religious Right". This group believes that Christian values should play a strong role in politics. He was one of four national directors for the Christian Coalition of America. This organization was started in 1989 by televangelist (a TV preacher) Pat Robertson.
From 1981 until his death, McCormack was the main pastor at the University Worship Center in Shreveport. Before this, he led three other churches. He also started and led Trinity Heights Christian Academy and University Christian Prep School. He also founded the University Montessori School.
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Early Life and Education
Billy McCormack was born in Bienville Parish, Louisiana. His parents were Charles T. and Ida Mae McCormack. He was born a few years before the Great Depression began.
McCormack grew up in a poor family. His father was a sharecropper, meaning he farmed land owned by someone else and paid rent with a share of the crops. McCormack often spoke about how hard his father worked.
In 1952, McCormack earned a bachelor's degree from Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, Louisiana. He also received a master's degree from NSU. Later, he earned a Ph.D. (a high-level degree) from National Christian University.
Christian Ministry and Leadership
In 1987, McCormack became the Louisiana state leader for Pat Robertson's campaign for president. After Robertson did not win, the "Religious Right" group changed its focus. They decided to work more on local community activities.
McCormack encouraged Pat Robertson to start the Christian Coalition. Robertson agreed and hired Ralph E. Reed, Jr. to lead the group. McCormack became a director and vice president of the Christian Coalition. He also led the Pastor's Council for the group.
In 1988, McCormack and other conservative leaders gained control of the Louisiana Republican State Central Committee. They worked to support their political goals.
In 1994, McCormack invited two people who opposed homosexual rights to speak in Shreveport. After this meeting, his church, the University Baptist Church, burned down. Investigators later found that it was caused by lightning, not arson.
Working for Civil Rights
In the 1950s, McCormack worked for a U.S. Representative named Overton Brooks. At that time, McCormack was involved with a newspaper publisher who supported segregation (keeping races separate).
However, over time, McCormack changed his views. He began to support civil rights for racial minorities. He served on Shreveport's Human Relations Commission. He also worked with the Black History Committee and the Martin Luther King Birthday Committee. For two years, he was the chairman of the Human Rights Conference.
In 2000, McCormack represented the Christian Coalition at the Million Family March in Washington, D.C. This event was organized by Reverend Louis Farrakhan. McCormack spoke at the event, saying he was there to show gratitude and support for unity. He stated that the Christian Coalition stands for the rights of all people to work together and love one another.
In 2008, McCormack continued his involvement with the Religious Right. He supported former Governor Mike Huckabee of Arkansas for president. McCormack said Huckabee was "well equipped for the presidency" and showed "godly and righteous leadership."
Later Life and Passing
Billy McCormack passed away in Shreveport at the age of eighty-three. His first wife, Carolyn Tomme, died before him in 2005. She was from Ringgold.
He later married Barbara Talley in 2006. They met online and felt a strong connection.
McCormack had three children from his first marriage: Victoria Lynn Williams, Patricia Jane McCormack Reeves, and William Michael McCormack.
His funeral was held at the University Worship Center. He was buried at Providence Cemetery in Ringgold.
Daniel Eugene "Dan" Perkins, a member of the Christian Coalition, spoke about McCormack. He said that even though McCormack influenced many people worldwide, he would always put his congregation first. Perkins noted that McCormack would cancel his plans to help a church member in need. This showed his true heart as a pastor.
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Billy Ervin McCormack
