January 23, 2021, 88, Goldsboro –

Willie Franklin Coker, age 88, passed away on Saturday at the N.C. State Veterans Home in Kinston. Born in Wayne County, he was the son of the late John and Etta Walters Coker and husband of the late Vernetta Coker. He was also preceded in death by a son, Willie Franklin Coker, Jr. and his brothers and sisters. Mr. Coker was a retired Veteran of the U.S. Army having served during the Korean Conflict and Vietnam era and was retired from Boling Chair Company. He was a member of the American Legion Post #11 and attended the White Lake Clearwater Chapel, Brogden United Methodist Church and Wayne’s Chapel Church.

A service to celebrate his life will be held Tuesday at 2:00 pm at Brogden United Methodist Church with Bishop Ralph Parker officiating. Family members will greet friends one hour prior to the service at the church. A private committal service will be held later.

Mr. Coker is survived by his daughters, Mollie Johnson and husband, Lee, Teresa Rose and husband, Nick and Donna Richards and husband, Eddie; eight grandchildren, Michael, Stephanie, Jim, Willie Jack, Jamison, Kasey, Ivey and Shelby; along with nine great grandchildren, Taylor, Kaylee, Finlee, Nick, Alyssa, Dalton, J.J., Caleb and Easton.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be directed to the Alzheimer’s Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave., Fl. 17, Chicago, IL 60601.

Shumate-Faulk Funeral Home is serving the Coker family and online condolences may be directed to www.shumate-faulk.com.