Veteran Radio Talent Steve McCoy Enters Hospice Care

RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, August 10, 2023

Steve McCoy

Renowned throughout Atlanta's airwaves, he has become a fixture in countless homes. Today, a chorus of prayers envelops Steve McCoy, as news breaks that he has transitioned into hospice care due to his year's long battle with Parkinson's Disease, according to local media reports that emerged on Thursday.

McCoy initially captivated Atlanta listeners back in 1981, when WZGC-FM (Z-93) transformed into a leading CHR outlet, gradually luring audiences away from WQXI. In a pivotal move in 1987, McCoy ventured to the newly-established rival across town, WAPW (Power 99), which rapidly ascended to the top of the CHR domain in the region. This eventually pushed Z-93 to rebrand as Classic Rock, as WQXI became WSTR (Star 94), marking a watershed moment in the Atlanta radio scene. It was within the realm of Power 99 that McCoy first joined forces with his on-air partner, Vikki Locke.

For a remarkable span of 18 years, McCoy and Locke co-hosted on Star 94, guided by the stewardship of Lee Chesnut and Tony Novia. In 2010, the dynamic duo migrated to WSB-FM (B98.5), continuing their journey. Yet, it was in 2006 that McCoy was confronted with the life-altering diagnosis of Parkinson's Disease, an affliction that was unveiled in a 2015 revelation when he was 61 years old, as reported by WSB-2.

To alleviate the weight of mounting medical expenses, an initiative has been set into motion through a GoFundMe campaign, spearheaded largely by Locke. The GoFundMe page highlights the financial burdens accompanying the care of someone grappling with the protracted decline of such a disease.

At the time of writing, $50,898 from a pool of 818 compassionate donors has been amassed by 4:30pm on Thursday. This financial reservoir will be divided evenly, with half of the proceeds designated for a non-profit organization specializing in supporting caregiving efforts, the Atlanta Neuroscience Foundation.

Additionally, a benefit comedy extravaganza is slated to grace The Atlanta Punchline stage on Sunday, August 27, commencing at 7pm. A $75 ticket will grant access to an evening of laughter, with the funds raised being generously shared between local Parkinson's advocacy groups and the revered Michael J. Fox Foundation. Interested attendees can secure their tickets for this charitable endeavor at punchline.com.