Rev. McKinley Baxter

On the afternoon of Tuesday, May 6, 2025, Rev. M. N. Baxter heard the voice of Jesus say “Come unto me and rest.” He answered the call at the Wayne T. Patrick Hospice House and went from labor to reward. Rev. Baxter, affectionately known as “Buck”, was born on January 14, 1949 to the late McKinley and Johnnie Mae McClure Baxter. A beloved leader, Pastor Baxter leaves a legacy of faith, love, and wisdom.

Rev. Baxter was a graduate of Emmett Scott High School, Rock Hill, SC. He attended Friendship College, Rock Hill, SC. He retired from Rock Hill Glass after many years as a supervisor. He didn’t mind helping those in need of new windows, mirrors, etc. in his spare time. Buck absolutely loved fishing and would spend many hours on the water with friends. He also loved being around family. Everyone that knew him knew it was unwise to challenge him to a game of checkers – you would not defeat him!.l

After the death of his mother in 1960, Buck was raised by his brother and sister-in-law, Rev. John Fred and Marian Baxter. Rev. Baxter was then pastor of Liberty Hill A.M.E. Zion Church. It was at Liberty Hill that he met his wife “Jackie”. Buck remained at Liberty Hill until he was lead to return to his family’s home church - Little Bethel Baptist Church, where he served as hymn choir leader.

In 1980, Buck answered the call into the ministry. He attended Teemer School of Religion and furthered his education by attending Agape Bible School where he received a Master of Arts in Theology. He also was awarded an Honorary Doctorate from Agape. In 1981 he was ordained and was elected as the Pastor of Jerusalem Baptist Church, Fort Mill, SC. He shepherded this congregation with 45 years of dedication, love and compassion - leading them in the building of a new edifice and family life center. As Pastor, he offered guidance, support and spiritual nourishment to all who crossed his path. To hear him pray was a comfort and a true blessing. He was a member of the Sandy River Baptist Association Upper Division where he served in various capacities. His latest capacity was President Emeritus of the Sunday School Congress. Pastor Baxter served the Fort Mill Community and was a Charter member of the Fort Mill Community Optimist Club.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three sisters: Elsie Jones, ElDoris Barnette and Martha Ann Bowens; four brothers: Rev. John Fred Baxter, Charles Ernest Baxter, Thomas Eugene Baxter, and Frank Wendell Baxter.

Rev. Baxter leaves to cherish many fond and loving memories his wife of 55 years, Eunice Thomas “Jackie” Baxter; one son, Jason Baxter (Kathy) of Rock Hill, SC; five grandsons: JaSheem Baxter (Keona) of Forest City, NC, Keion Jones (Bre) of Conway, SC, Jason Trevon Baxter and Justin Xavier Baxter of Fort Mill, SC and Jaiden Malachi Baxter of Rock Hill, SC; three great-grandsons: Keani Jones, Kylar Jai Baxter and Maverick Jones; four sisters-in-law: Sarah Ussery (Roy), Penny Boyd (Gary), Annette Green (Allen) and Mary Baxter; two brothers-in-law: Rev. William J. Isom (Cynthia) and Juan Isom; one special nephew that was like a brother, Frankie Jones (Patricia), and a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Though his earthly presence will be missed, we rejoice in the knowledge that he has found eternal peace in the arms of the Lord. “Earth has no sorrow that Heaven cannot heal.”