Obituary of William T. McCargo

William T. McCargo Jr., affectionately known as Bill (Billy and Junie to family) was born in Camden, New Jersey on February 10, 1946 to the late William Thomas McCargo and Alberta Louise (nee Fisher). He was preceded in death by his brother James. Bill was a devoted and loving husband to his wife Pat (nee Brown) for an impressive 57 years. From this union, four daughters were born: Carla Brown, Erica Taylor (Frank), Dawn McCargo-Williams (Chris), and Kristin Dunlap (Matin). He also leaves to mourn his loss his niece Tiffany Jones (affectionately referred to as Bill’s 5th daughter), his sisters Ophelia Coleman (James), Evelyn Givens, Lillian Wilson, Alberta “Sissy” McCargo, Delores Johnson (Daryl), Rhonda McCargo-Dillard, his Godson Kelly Justin Wilson, as well as brother in laws Warrington “Pete” Brown (Rose), Garrison Brown (Sylvia) and sister in laws Jerrellyn Walker, Fernanda Smith, Beverly Brown and Lecetta “Dede” Brown. Bill also leaves behind ten cherished grandchildren: Thomas (Yani), Cirae, Johnny, Ciara (Jeremy), Christopher Jr., Cayla, Andre, Evan, Juliannah, Maleik and bonus granddaughter Makia Mannah. He also leaves behind 4 great-grandchildren: Thomas Jr., Emorie, Moriah, and Carmelo as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and friends. Bill, a Cherry Hill native, graduated from Cherry Hill West High School in 1965. Post-graduation, Bill embarked on a career with the United States Air-Force, and he bravely served during the Vietnam War Conflict. He also established a distinguished history of community involvement, as well as an impressive educational and professional career. Post-military, Bill continued his impactful journey as a Cherry Hill Police Officer from June 1969 until his retirement in August 1994. During his tenure, he established the Neighborhood Watch Program, earning national recognition and inspiring other departments across the nation. Bill also served on the Cherry Hill School Board from April 1988 until 1991. Post-retirement from the Cherry Hill Police Department, Bill contributed to the Southern Regional Juvenile Placement Program with the Juvenile Justice Commission from June 5, 1995 until April 1, 1997. His leadership extended to chairing committees including the Facilities & Legislation Committees, Elementary & Secondary Education Committees, Personnel Committee, and Finance & Operation Committee. Bill obtained his BA in Law & Justice Management from Glassboro State College in May 1978. He was also educated in Interrogation & Interview Techniques from the University of Delaware, Crime Analysis & Risk Management Theory, Crime Prevention from University of Louisville, and FBI hostage Negotiations at Princeton University. On April 1, 1997, Governor Whitman appointed Bill to serve as a member of the New Jersey State Parole Board. His contributions included serving as a Vice Chairman, and he was also designated to serve as the Acting Chairman, in which he was the first African American to hold that position. In the community, Bill’s impact extended through his involvement in Judge Rosetti’s Community Alternative Sanction team which was designed to address the reduction of juvenile problems. Bill was also a member of SJ NOBLE, Cherry Hill Drug Alliance, Camden County East Branch NAACP, Cherry Hill PBA Local 176(serving as President & Vice President), NJ Crime Prevention Association, Member of the Police Athletic League, and he was also a longtime member of the Cherry Hill African American Civic Association having served as President & Vice President. Bill was fully engaged in scholarship fundraising efforts for many years, and the Black History Program. He was very passionate about his work with the CHAACA organization, and he fought tirelessly with members to have an African American Studies course incorporated in history classes in Cherry Hill Schools. Bill didn’t waste a single second of time, or an ounce of talent. He gave everything that he had to his family and community, and he leaves a lasting legacy and a community imprint that will forever be remembered. Rest Well, Bill. You will be missed.