Bobby Douglas Coker

Bobby Douglas (Bob) Coker was born to Maxine and Ray Coker on July 5, 1938 in Rusk County, Texas. He passed away January 6, 2018 after a brief illness. He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Karen Adams Coker, sons Joel Douglas Coker of Dallas, John Christopher Coker of Dallas, and James Carlton Coker and wife Melanie of Allen, Texas. His pride and joy were grandchildren Bryson, Lauren, Christopher, and Courtney. Other survivors are his sister Maxie Ford of Longview, Texas and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and by his twin brother Billy Ray Coker. He was a graduate of Longview High School and a 1960 graduate of Stephen F. Austin State University with a B.A. in Business Administration and later became a Fellow in the Life Management Institute. He served in the U.S. Army Reserves from 1962 to 1968. Bob had a very rewarding 25-year career in Computer Software with Southland Life Insurance Company of Dallas, Texas. Bob and Karen have been members of the First Baptist Church of Garland for over 50 years where he served as a deacon and usher/greeter for many years. He took those responsibilities very seriously and was proud to have had these opportunities to serve the Lord in these capacities. Following retirement from Southland Life, he began volunteering at Friendship House, a ministry of the church. He served there for over 17 years and enjoyed his work and the camaraderie with fellow volunteers. His kind spirit and dry wit will be remembered by the many who called him friend. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him. Visitation will be Thursday, January 11, 2018 at Charles W. Smith and Sons Funeral Home, 2925 5th Street, Sachse, Texas from 6:00-8:00 PM. Service will be at the First Baptist Church of Garland, 801 W. Avenue D, Garland, Texas at 10:00 am on Friday, January 12, 2018. Interment will be in the Stewart Cemetery in Rusk County, Texas at 4:00 pm following the service. Memorials may be made in Bob's memory to the First Baptist Church Building Fund or to the Friendship House.