William C. Coker Sr.

William C. Coker Sr. a resident of Pine Bluff, died Tuesday, September 7, 2010, at Jefferson Regional Medical Center. Born April 16, 1924, in Hale Center, Texas, he was a son of Thurston Cicero and Velma J. Thomas Coker. Mr. Coker was reared and educated in Hale Center, Texas. He was a 1942 graduate of Hale Center High School. William C. Coker, Sr. married Dorothy Fowler on June 19, 1945, in Pine Bluff. Mr. Coker moved to Pine Bluff in 1946. Mr. Coker was a United States Army veteran of World War II and Korea. He worked as a Postal Carrier for the United States Postal Service for 31 years, retiring in 1979. He also worked part-time for Kroger for 27 years. Mr. Coker was a member of the 6th Avenue Church of Christ. He was the reunion chairman for the 782nd Tank Batallion from World War II, member and secretary, treasurer of Branch 240 of the National Association of Letter Carriers, store union steward for Kroger for 19 years, member of the National Association of Food Employees, the American Association of Retired Persons, and the American Legion Post 32. He enjoyed painting and bowling. Mr. Coker was preceded in death by his parents, one sister; one daughter, Carol Ann Coker. Survivors include his wife Dorothy Coker of Pine Bluff; one son, William C. Coker Jr. of Pine Bluff; granddaughter and grandson-in-law, Christye Michelle and Kevin George Figley of Beebe; three great-grandchildren, Haleigh Figley, Hannah Figley, and Hunter Figley of Beebe. The visitation will be from 6-8 p.m., Thursday, September 9, 2010, at Ralph Robinson & Son Funeral Directors. Funeral services will be at 2 p.m., Friday, September 10, 2010, in the Chapel of Ralph Robinson & Son with Mr. Randall Elrod officiating. Burial will follow in Bellwood Cemetery by Ralph Robinson & Son. Memorials may be made to: Jenkins Memorial Center, 2410 Rike Dr. Pine Bluff, Arkansas 71603. Online register: www.ralphrobinsonandson.com.