ROY C. ECKERT

     Roy C. Eckert, age 85, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 11, 2022. He was born April 3, 1937, to George and Ruth (nee Turner) Eckert. Roy grew up in Oaklyn, NJ and graduated from Collingswood HS. While in high school, Roy was active in many extracurricular activities. He played the alto saxophone, was a member of the Glee Club, choir, boys’ ensemble, band, and the NJ State chorus. Roy remained active in the 1955 Collingswood High School annual reunions throughout his lifetime.  

     In 1959, Roy obtained a social studies degree from Shelton College in Greenwood, NJ and earned his master’s degree in education from Glassboro State College. Roy retired from the Cherry Hill school district as a reading specialist, working with both elementary and middle school students during his career as an educator. 

     Roy was blessed with a beautiful singing voice and used it to become active in barbershop singing throughout his lifetime. He was a member of the Pine Barons Chorus from 1962 – 2022, during which he also was available for coaching and leading the lead section. Roy also directed the chorus on occasion and competed in many division and district competitions as Lead and Bass. He was recently honored with a 60th year anniversary plaque to recognize his dedication and commitment. 

     In addition to Chorus singing, Roy also enjoyed Quarteting. He sang lead in the Sound Revival quartet from 1973 – 1985. In 1976, the Sound Revival won the Mid-Atlantic District Quartet Championship and earned the opportunity to represent the Mid-Atlantic District at the International Competition. After 10 year “retirement” the Sound Revival reunited and qualified to compete in the International Seniors Competition in January 2002, where they placed third, earning a bronze medal. During this reuniting they decided to record a CD for posterity and called it “Moments to Remember”. 

     In 1987, Roy sang lead in the barbershop quartet, Northeast Extension. They won the 1987 Mid-Atlantic District Quartet Championship, which qualified them for the International Competition. 

     Roy found it a blessing to use his voice in ministry to the Lord. He was asked to replace the lead singer of the gospel quartet Four His Glory, singing lead with them for 20 years. Together with this new foursome they recorded 2 albums and sang in many churches. Roy continued to serve the Lord by joining his lifelong friend and college roommate’s ministry at Pemberton’s First Baptist Church as a soloist, a member of the choir, and by leading the congregational singing for many years.  

     It is through music that he formed many lifelong friendships. It is also through music that he met his beloved wife, Shirley (nee Williams), who was involved with barbershop music as well and sang with Sweet Adelines. Roy and Shirley met while performing together in the Jersey Sound Chorus’ musical, Annie Oakley, in 1979. They were married in August 1984, and both of their choruses sang during and after the ceremony.  

     Roy is survived by his beloved wife, Shirley; by his daughters and their spouses: Sherie Fowler (Edward), Tina Bunchuk (Adam), and Monica Harrison (Mark) and by his 9 grandchildren: Brianna Harrison, Jenna Fowler, Ryan Fowler, Nicholas Bunchuk, Kaden Harrison, Allison Bunchuk, Cassie Fowler, Quinn Harrison, and Kara Harrison. Roy is preceded in death by his son, Alan Eckert.

     There will be a Memorial Service for Roy on Sunday, October 16, 2022, 4 PM at Pemberton's First Baptist Church, Hanover St., Pemberton Borough. Visitation for relatives and friends of the family will be from 3:00 to 4:00 PM Sunday at the church.  Interment will be private.

     In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial contributions be made to Pemberton's First Baptist Church, Hanover St., Pemberton Borough, NJ 08068.

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