Walter L. McCoa was born on February 14, 1949, in Schlater, Mississippi to the late Annie Guyton and Willie C. McCoa.

Walter left the rural life of Mississippi at an early age and migrated toward the soulful music of Motown in search of better opportunities. Motown would become a great opportunity for Walter when he found employment with the Chrysler Corporation in Hamtramck, Michigan while also mentoring young men as a softball coach.

In 1975 Walter met Betty Marzett at a house party, which was popular at that time. Walter fell in love with her, and they have been together for over forty years until his untimely death. God would also add two beautiful children to this union: his adopted son Courtney Marzett who preceded him in death in 2012, and a loving daughter Lameda Marzett. Walter also had seven beautiful grandchildren, who he simply adored with all his heart.

Walter was the oldest of ten siblings; three sisters and seven brothers who will miss him dearly. One preceded him in death, George Robinson. The remaining siblings are Ollie Ann Robinson and Steve Robinson of Greenwood, Mississippi; Betty Robinson of Fayetteville, Georgia; Nancy Chestnut of Pensacola Florida; Al Robinson and Michael Guyton of Collage Park, Georgia; Roosevelt Robinson (Eular) of Atlanta, Georgia; Clay V. Robinson (Shirley) of Jonesboro, Georgia; and Bruce Robinson of Stockbridge, Georgia; and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.