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Warren "Buddy" Clement Coker CLEVELAND, OK - Warren "Buddy" Clement Coker, Jr., formerly of Charleston, SC, passed away on Saturday, January 19, 2013 in Cleveland, Oklahoma. He was born on September 6, 1943 in Charleston, SC. As a musical prodigy, Warren began his career at age 15 as the organist and choirmaster at St. John's Episcopal Church on John's Island, SC. By the age of 17, Warren had played every pipe organ in the Charleston area. Warren completed his undergraduate work at Montreat-Anderson College in Montreat, NC. He matriculated from Westminster Choir College in Princeton, NJ under the tutelage of the world renown organist, Dr. Alexander McCurdy. Warren served in the Army and was stationed in Carmel, CA. Upon his discharge, he returned to the South resuming his musical career. As an expert in classical church music he played in churches from Florida to Maine. Warren served as choirmaster and special guest conductor for various concerts. He was a long-standing member of the American Guild of Organists. He received his MA in Public Administration at UNC, Greensboro. He retired as Executive Director of the Rockingham County NC Council on Aging after 20 years. Warren served on numerous boards during his tenure. Warren is predeceased by his parents, Warren Clement Coker and Mildred Haselden Coker. He is survived by his three children, Dr. Warren Clement Coker III of Aurora, CO, Dr. Christine Coker Ballenger (Christopher Ballenger) of Jennings, OK, and Dr. Karen Hillary Coker of Tallahassee, FL; and two grandchildren, Tabor Brock Kistler and Hannah Grace Ballenger; two sisters Thelma Coker Hicklin of Winnsboro, SC and Penny Coker Molony of Charleston, SC; and numerous nieces and nephews. Funeral arrangements will be conveyed at a later date. Visit our guestbook at www.legacy.com/obituaries/ charleston
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I Was searching for Warren on Google last
evening and stunned to see his obituary.
I placed a memory on Tribute. com. I hope you will read it, as I share some memories of wonderful visits with your father. He was a great friend; and even though we did not communicate often, I shall sure miss him until we meet again
at the Throne of Grace in the presence ofJesus Christ in Heaven.
Charles Anschuetz
May 31, 2013
I was heart broken to hear about Warren's passing. He was a very important person in my life. He hired me at the Council on Aging back in 1991. I worked for him until he retired. He was always there to offer support and encouragement. He was often telling me how proud he was of me and how gifted I was. To have an employer like that is amazing! There should be more people like Warren Coker!
Tanya Fargis
February 1, 2013
To Christy, Karen and Warren III: I can never begin to express the sadness that I feel in my heart when I heard that my " Best friend, confidant, mentor, teacher, and co-worker had passed away. Warren and I spent many, many hours at the " Oak Abbey " in Reidsville. He and I were both Organists and Choirmasters at Church of the Epiphany in Eden. He and I shared so many wonderful times together. I would often house sit for him when he would visit each one of you. He and I confided in one another about everything and we held our talks and memories so close to our hearts. He was a MASTER of Music! We both LOVED the Episcopal Church, the music and liturgy. I am just so very sad that I have lost my best friend in the whole world. I loved him dearly as he loved me. The best two friends! Please know that I am thinking about all of you and Tabor and Hannah, and Penny and Thelma. I knew all of you through the hours and hours of talks he and I had. He LOVED those grandchildren. I am praying for all of you. I have lost my very BEST FRIEND. What a BLESSING that has arrived in HEAVEN! I will be looking to contact each of you. God Bless each of you in this sad time. I loved Warren Clement Coker Jr. My best friend always and forever. Peace be with all of you.... + Please contact me as soon as you can. I am at, [email protected]
Naomi Gullickson
January 30, 2013
Warren hired me at the COA right after I graduated from college in 1988. I always thought Warren was the definition of a "Southern Gentleman." My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Lisa Barton
January 29, 2013
Thelma and Penny,
Mother and I were so sorry to read of Buddy's passing. There are so many mmeories of the years at church and night's with your dad, mine, and Buddy playing the piano-what a time they had! Please know that we will be holding you up in our thoughts and prayers.
Our love, Charleen (Fellers) Vaughan and Ernestine Fellers
January 26, 2013
For a brief, lovely time, Warren was our choir director at Main St. UMC in Reidsville. I just loved him! What a sweet, wonderful, talented man. I'm so sorry for your loss.
Gail Keefe
January 24, 2013
To the family of Buddy Coker, I send you my heartfelt sympathies. I am so saddened to say goodbye to my friend. He and I talked frequently the last several months and I have known him throughout my life, starting with first grade. The last time I talked with him right after his surgery, he told me he was so happy and looking forward to seeing all his old friends again at the next high school reunion. Goodbye dear friend...I will miss you...
Love, Maebelle Barnett Bazzel
Maebelle Barnett Bazzel
January 23, 2013
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