Christopher Coker Obituary

Jackie, Earl, Neal, Suzanne, and Paige,
I hope you remember me from the TEA days. I never read the obituaries in the N&O, but glanced through them a cople of weeks ago and was shocked to see the sad news about Chris! I still remember the little red headed kid with the huge smile! An early death is never fair, especially to such a wonderful family like the Cokers! I will always remember your kindness to me. My thouhgts and prayers are with you. I would love to see all of you again!

Take good care,
John Archibald
Former TEA Coach

I recently passed through Chapel Hill. I ran into Chris listening to bluegrass at The Carolina Inn. He invited me to join him and his friends to go listen to "The Connells" that night at Cats Cradle. It was like "Old Carolina" times. He was yet another great southerner who made this northerner feel welcome at UNC and in the south. When I think of my great times down there, I will remember Chris Coker. Jim McCarthy UNC '90

Earl, Jackie, Neal, Suzanne & Paige,
I have not seen Chris in years yet I feel as I have lost family. I know that we only see each other once a year at Simmon's party, but I feel a loss. We will always have that "Coker" bond. Chris is now in heaven with Grandma Cat and all those who have passed on before us. I pray that GOD will grant you with peace and comfort. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Suzanne (and family), words are not adequate to express my sympathy to you in the loss of your brother. However, he was such a fine young man, that accolades in heaven will be more than sufficient to tide you over until we see him again. Nevertheless, my heart aches for you and yours because I know the void your brother's death leaves. I know because just a couple of months ago I lost my brother, too. (Veda's mom)

My memories of Pinetops are few (I was so little when we left) but Chris his family are a major part of them. Childhood friends are so special and while I only knew the funny red-headed little boy that Chris was, I'm very sad that I have lost my very old friend and praying for all those who will miss him.

To all the Coker family
I just heard today of your loss and know that God will help your family thru this most difficult time. My deepest sympathies to each and every one of you. Like so many of the people who have left you messages I remember Chris always had a smile on his face and he was always enjoying himself. We will keep you in our prayers.

Earl,Jackie,Suzanne, Paige, & Neal & family--I was shocked and deeply hurt when I read about Chris. I have so many memories of all your family and mine at the beach. My children, Kim, Lee, & Lori; and I send our deepest sympathy and love to all of you. May God's Grace and Love be with all of you. Elaine Alexander -Wilson,NC

I am very sorry for your family's loss. Your family are in our prayers.

Brooke Phillips Thompson and Family

To the family and friends of Chris I would like to express how deeply touched I am for your loss. Chris was an acquaintance of mine, and in the past few days after I learned of his untimely ending the memories of the times in which we interacted keep coming back to me. In addition to his lovely red mane I remember his kindness, extraordinary sense of humor, and the sincere smile in his face every time we met.

May he always live in your fondest memories.

Sincerely

Mr. Earl, Mrs. Jackie, Neil, Suzanne and Paige, so sorry to hear of Chris' passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you as you grieve your loss. Hold tight to the wonderful memories you have of Chris. May God be with you now and the coming days.

Chris was a dear friend of ours. We will always remember his wonderful and
friendly personality. Will never forget him when he was golfing at Maccripine. Our thoughts and prayers
are with all of you.
Coleman and Linda Webb

No bond is as great as that between a parent and child. My deepest condolences are with you as you grieve.

Suzanne and Family,
I had the pleasure to have meet the both of you while we listened to blue grass music on the porch. He was a awesome man and I loved being able to meet the both of you in my life. Remember is smile and his wonderful heart.

Dear family, I had the pleasure of spending some time with Chris in the houston area this past year. I am mike smith's older brother. From the moment I met chris we were great friends. He had the biggest heart and always wanted everyone around him to be happy and laughing, except with the NC loses in basketball!! I will never forget the times we spent together. He definately touched my life with his joy for life. Sorry for your loss. Cameron Smith (Katy, TX)

"Mr. Mayor" Coker, Mrs. Coker, Suzanne and family:

I was deeply saddened to learn of your loss. I did not have the pleasure of knowing Chris, but can see what a light he was to your family by reading such fond notes. I can only imagine the heartache you feel, but hope that his memories will soften the pain and that they may bring you joy. Please know that you are in my prayers and those of my family.

I don't recall ever having seen Chris without a smile on his face....

Dear Coker Family,
It is with a sad heart that I send my deepest sympathy during this difficult time. Chris was an amazing guy who was so kind and genuine, and always brought smiles to the faces of those friends around him, and even to the faces of strangers that didn't know him. In fact, I don't think he ever met a stranger. He was just that likable of a guy!!! He will be missed here on Earth, but there's no doubt he's up in Heaven smilin' down on us all. I'll be keeping your family in my thoughts and prayers!!! Carson Whittington

The Coker Family,

I am very sorry to hear of Chris's death. If there is anything I can do for any of the family, please let me know. All of you are in my prayers.

Hilda Campbell (Robert's sister)
Raleigh, N.C.

I was introduced to Chris by way of my close friend in South Carolina. He came to Texas and that is when our friendship began. In the brief year that he touched my life, I feel like I've known him my entire life. He has definitely made a positive impact on my life both personally & spiritually. He was a great friend and will truly be missed. My sympathies go out the family. Mike Smith (A.K.A. - Turbo)

Mrs. Jackie and family.
I'm sorry to hear about your lost. Just know that God makes no mistakes. I read the write up about your son in the news and observer, it was so inspiring. Remember that earth has no sorrows that heaven can't heal.

Earl, Jackie and family,

From the book of Psalms - "God is our refuge and strength, an ever present help in trouble." "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." May the love and comfort of the Lord and all those who love you and Chris sustain you. My thoughts and prayers go with you, today and in the days to follow.

Jackie and Earl, I was so saddened to hear of your loss. I can not even imagine the pain that you and your family must be going through. Although I did not know Chris, I read what others have written about him and know that he must have been a wonderful person. I am so sorry. Know that I am thinking about you and praying that the days ahead will somehow get a little easier as time passes.

Please accept my deepest sympathies.

Earl and Jackie, I was so shocked to hear about Chris. I will keep you and your family in my prayers.

Earl and Jackie,

I am so very sorry to hear about Chris. I can't imagine the sorrow you feel at this time. Please remember that me and my siblings are thinking of you and praying for you and your family at this sad time.

Kay (Allen) Carroll

Coker Family:

A very special gift has arrived in Heaven. I know that Chris is spreading his love, laughter and smiles to everyone he meets. I am sure my Dad was one of the first to welcome him home. My prayers are with you during this very diffcult week.

Coker Family:

My prayers and condolences are with you during this very difficult week. Chris always had a smile on his face and in his heart. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him. Debbie Crews (Tarboro, NC)

Chris is leaving a beautiful legacy for us all to live life with love, faith, kindness, humor and fun. He always had a smile and a kind word. Our hearts ache for all of you as you say goodbye. May God hold all of you in the palm of His hand and may you be strengthened by knowing that you will see Chris again. Until then you will have him with you always in your hearts. Love and prayers are going out to all of you.

Paige, Neal and family. You all are in my prayers. - G T Barnes

Paige,
I am so sorry to hear about Chris. I pray you will be comforted at this time. Take Care. Janice Garrett

Mr. & Mrs. Coker, Neal, Suzanne, and Paige,
I'm truly sorry to hear about the passing of Chris. Please know that I am praying for all of you. May the love and prayers of others bring you strength and comfort at this difficult time.

I offer you my sincere condolences.

Earl, Jackie, Neal, Suzanne, and Paige,
I am shocked and sad to hear about Chris. Know that all your Allen cousins are hurting and praying for you.

Love,
Betty Jean

Earl, Jackie, Neal, Suzanne and Paige, our deepest sympathies are with you during this difficult time. We will always remember Chris growing up here in Pinetops and our daughter Denise visiting him with her Baby Sitter. He was such a bubbly young person and will be missed by all. God had a special place for him. Love, Cullen and Rochelle

YOU WILL BE IN OUR PRAYERS, DURING THIS DIFFICULT TIME IN YOUR LIFE. MAY GOD SHOWER DOWN HIS BLESSINGS UPON YOUR FAMILY.

Mr & Mrs. Coker, Neal, Suzanne and Paige. It has been over 20 years since I have seen Chris, but I know he loved his family very much. The last time I saw Chris was at the family Beach House with Steve Hux and Dean Pittman. Chris had invited us down for the weekend. Me and my family will have all of you in our prayers.

Love to all,
Ben Stalls and Family
Rochester, NY

I have so many fond memories growing up living beside the Cokers including the many times Suzanne and I taunted Chris as kids...all in good fun. My thoughts and prayers are with you Mr and Mrs Coker, Suzanne, Neil and Paige. Love Sonia Young

Mr.& Mrs. Coker, Neal, Suzanne and Paige, I became friends with
Chris and Wesley several years ago when my daughter Crystal
Hunt and son-in-law Pete Hunt lived in Raleigh. He was a wonderful
person to know and always had a smile for everyone. I am so saddened for your loss. His wonderful family remains in my thoughts and prayers.. I know Crystal and Pete loved Chris and Wesley, and he will be missed ......Barbara Snead (Crystal Hunt Mother) Wilmington, North Carolina

I met Chris in New Orleans during Mardi Gras and he was a joy to be around. He was very funny and thoughtful. He's got me saying "That's how I roll" all the time. I think that Chris had a great life and that is how he rolled and I am so glad that we met. We were supposed to meet for a drink in Atlanta while I was there in June, and it didnt happen. You will be missed dude!!! Carolina, New Orleans

Thank you God for the time I have had with Chris on this Earth. For twenty plus years he has been a friend, a confidant, an ear, a heart, and a good soul that will be in my memories forever. He touched so many people with his kindness, humor, and laughter.

I will miss him,

Uncle Buster

Thank you God for the time I have had with Chris on this Earth. For twenty plus years he has been a friend, a confidant, an ear, a heart, and a good soul that will be in my memories forever. He touched so many people with his kindness, humor, and laughter.

I will miss him,

Uncle Buster (Greenville, SC)

Mr. an Mrs. Coker, Neal, Suzanne and Paige, I am sending you my love and prayers. I became friends with Chris the second that I was introduced to him several months ago. His way with people was so warm and sincere that it was impossible not to be his friend. We struck up a conversation about music, friendship, family, love and life. We talked for two hours that day and continued to keep in touch. He made me laugh every time that I saw or talked to him. I adored his sense of humor and appreciated his genuine friendship. He never had an unkind thing to say about anyone, and I am a better person for having known him. He loved his family and friends deeply which is such an endearing quality. He was at ease with life and made everyone around him smile. I feel truly blessed to have known him. I hope that you can find peace during this terribly sad time by knowing that he touched my life and many others because of the wonderful person that he was. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
With deepest sympathy,
Cheryl Estee

Chris possessed an engaging personality with an unbridled sense of humor. People couldn't help gravitating toward him. Moreover, he was a gentleman.

Chris will be treasured and missed. His wonderful family remains in our thoughts and prayers, and Chris will endure in our memories.

What a sudden and shocking loss. What a bandit of a summer, to steal this guy from us.

Jackie, Earl, and all the Coker family.
I am so sorry to hear about Chris. I hadn't seen him for a long time, but still remember that bright beautiful face.
I am currently in Maine with my daughter and her family, but hope to get to see you soon.
My prayers are with you.
Love you
Eva Anne

Mr. and Mrs. Coker, Neal, Suzanne and Paige...We will miss Chris so much. He came to visit us on a Thursday afternoon while in Raleigh briefly....we always had such good conversation. What a wonderful Christian and loyal friend. We are thankful for his visit and cherish every moment we had with him. He was always so full of life and caring to us and our children. We will miss Chris and his wonderful friendship. We continue to pray for you and your healing during this difficult time. We feel fortunate to have known such a man of God. Love in Christ,

I just heard about Chris tonight. I am so sad to hear about his passing. I know you all will make it through this difficult time together because you have each other. Please know that our family will be praying for you all.

Mr & Mrs Coker, Neal, Suzanne and Paige.. I know that Chris was a good person, as I remember him from school at TEA. He was a great athlete, and a great friend to all.
I won't tell you that time heals the loss and hurt that you're feeling, as I've had to learn this lesson myself.. you learn to allow Chris to live on in your heart, as I have my father. You learn to accept the fact that he's in a much better place, that we all hope to go home to one day. His memory will live on thru so many people who knew him.
Please know that the Mitchell/Lindquist families are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.

Friends..
Denise Mitchell Lindquist
and Family

To Mr and Mrs Coker, Neal. Suzanne, and Paige. My family sends their condolences to you all in your time of sorrow. We are so saddened for your loss. We do hope the joy and many blessings that Chris bestowed on you all will be true blessings. Our thoughts and our prayers will be with you during this difficult time. With Our deepest sympathy, Dana Johnson Randall and Shirley Johnson

Earl, Jackie, and family,,, I can't even imagine what you're going through right now. My hope is that somehow you can find some comfort in knowing that all of your friends are grieving with you. All of you are loved and will be kept in our prayer. Darlene Torbert

Jacki, Earl, Neal, Suzanne, Paige and the rest of the family. Our love and prayers go out to you. Haven't had contact with Chris in the later years, but I will cheerish memories of us at Simmons at Christmas sitting on the steps. And going to the beach with Suzanna. Chris will be miss by many. My prayers will be with you this week and the days ahead. Love Frances Liverman and family

Everyone that met Chris always felt comfortable to be around him, I feel blessed that I was able to know him. My deepest sympathies go out to the Coker family, Chris will be sorely missed. You will all be in my thoughts and prayers.

Chris was a friend to me and helped me when I needed it most. He never passed judgment and was always understanding. His smile and laugh will be sorely missed.

Earl,Jackie and family, my love a prayers for comfort at this very difficult time. You will be in my prayers. Love Betty Fulford

My heart aches for all of you. We all know how special Chris was. His red hair and freckles just set the tone for his bubbling personality-his ready smile and the twinkle in his eyes. I will always remember him on the stage at TEA singing "My Girl". I am thankful to have shared a small part of his life not only as his teacher, but also as his friend. He will be missed by all who knew him.

Faye Gulley
Pinetops, NC

It is so tough for us as humans when God calls another angel into His Kingdom, but such a relief to know that we will see him again one day. Uncle Earl, Aunt Jackie, Neal & fam, Suzanne, & Paige, my thoughts and prayers are with each of you! The happy-go-lucky, charming personality Chris is surely going to be missed, but we never lose the ones we love, for their memory lingers on. I love you guys! Love,

To all that knew Chris...He will be missed. He was a great young man with a tremendous personality....In his early age I played a lot of golf with him and at that time I learned to know his as a fine young man. My heart goes out to the fine Coker Family..

Gene Hudson & family

I have great memories of you, my friend, you will be sorely missed by myself and a host of others.

I'm sad to have lost a truly entertaining and great friend.

My condolences to the Coker family.

To; Mr. and Mrs. Coker, Neal, Suzanne and Paige,
My thoughts and prayers are with you as your family experiences this terrible loss. May time, memories and knowing that others share in your loss help you find comfort.
With Deepest Sympathy, Ginny Morris Willey

Our thought and prayers are with you. Chris was a great person, and will be surely missed by all.
The Vines Family - Pinetops, NC

To the single most beautiful and loving family I've ever had the pleasure of meeting. Your witness to faith and to the unshakable faith of eternal life with Chris has been so touching to so many. May God bless and keep you in the palm of His hand. Chris is surely dancing with the angels.

To the Family and Friends of Chris Coker: May the Lord shower you all with grace, comfort and peace that only He can provide at times like these. Please know that your family is in our family's prayers.