Billy Coker

Billy Gene Coker January 4, 1929 – October 12, 2007 Billy Gene Coker, 78, of Waco, passed away Friday, October 12, 2007 after a brave battle with leukemia. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 am Monday, October 15 at the Crestview Church of Christ with Jim Martin and Bert Mercer officiating. Burial to follow at Waco Memorial Park. Visitation with the family will be from 6:30 – 8:30 pm, Sunday, October 14 in the Garden Room at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Funeral Home. Bill was born January 4, 1929 in Moody, Texas to J. H. and Maude Coker. He lived in Central Texas most of his life. He graduated from Moody High School in 1946 and served in the Air Force from 1947-1950. He married Dee Phillips on June 24, 1950. Bill was loved by all. He was a faithful and loving son, husband, father and grandfather. His life was an example to all of fair and honest work, of commitment to marriage and family and of strong Christian beliefs and values. He made a difference in the lives of many people and will certainly be missed by all. He was a long-time member of Crestview Church of Christ. He retired from TXU after 42 years of service. After retiring, he enjoyed his days at his farm with his Hereford cattle and special friend, Buddy Lou, his faithful Australian Shepherd. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Louise Holt. Bill is survived by his wife of fifty-seven years, Dee Coker; daughter, Martha Schlegel and son-in-law, Rob Schlegel of Mesquite; son, Bill Coker of Lorena and daughter-in-law, Rene Coker of West; six grandsons, Scott Schlegel of Dallas, Steven Schlegel of Plano, Michael Schlegel of Mesquite, Chad Coker and Mark Coker both of Waco, and Ryan Coker of West. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews and a multitude of friends. The grandsons will serve as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers will be Doyle Helms, Allan Horton, Walter Hill, James Sorrells, Jimmy Bourland, D.L. Reneau, Louis Byers, Carl Ellis and Don Guest. Memorial donations may be made to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. The family invites you to leave a message or memory in our “memorial guestbook” at www.wilkirsonhatchbailey.com. Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey