Richard Owens Coker, 79, of Opelika, Alabama, passed away peacefully on August 10, 2026, at Bethany House following a brief illness.

Born on June 22, 1947, in Langdale, Alabama, Richard was the cherished son of the late JB Coker and Vivian Monroe Coker. After graduating from Valley High School in 1965, he proudly answered the call to serve his country by joining the United States Marine Corps in 1966. A veteran of the Vietnam War, he served with honor and distinction until his discharge in 1968. For extraordinary heroism in action during his service in Vietnam, he was awarded the Presidential Unit Citation—the highest unit-level honor bestowed by the U.S. Armed Forces—along with the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal with star, and the Vietnam Campaign Medal. Upon returning home, Richard pursued his higher education at Southern Union Community College and Auburn University.

Richard’s strong work ethic was evident early on. He began his career with West Point Pepperell while still in high school and continued working second shift while putting himself through college, graduating from Auburn in 1976 with a degree in Textile Management. Over the years, his leadership and dedication led him through various roles, culminating in his eventual retirement as Executive Vice President of Human Resources with Johnston Industries.

On June 17, 1970, Richard married the love of his life, Shirley Key Coker, in a ceremony officiated by Rev. Dye at Midway Baptist Church in Valley, Alabama. Together, they built a life rooted in faith, devotion, and a deep commitment to family, sharing 56 wonderful years of marriage.

Throughout his life, Richard’s faith and service were central. He was an active member of Trinity Church in Opelika and previously served at First United Methodist Church of Lanett, where he was honored with the Man of the Year award for his outstanding dedication to his church and community.

In his retirement, Richard embraced his passions for travel, golf, and family with boundless enthusiasm. Golf became his "second career," though he cherished the camaraderie of his playing partners far more than the game itself. An adventurous traveler who never met a stranger, he explored extensively—first alongside Shirley, and later introducing his grandchildren to the wonders of the world. Among his favorite adventures was a six-year journey across the country with his son and grandson to visit every Major League Baseball park, a quest that produced legendary stories he loved to recount. Above all else, Richard was a devoted family man who made every milestone, birthday, and ballgame a priority.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents, JB and Vivian Coker; his brothers, Lewis Coker, Elbert Coker, and Jimmy Coker; and his sister, Mildred Knowles.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 56 years, Shirley Coker; his son, Keith Coker, and daughter-in-law, Jeana; his cherished grandchildren, Mary-Elizabeth Coker Romoser (Joshua), Sarah Katherine Coker, and Joseph Coker (and his fiancée, Sarah Bowman); his sister, Reba Hamer (Pete); as well as a loving extended family and a wide circle of friends.

Services

• Visitation: Saturday, August 15, 2026, at 10:00 AM CST at Trinity Church in Opelika, Alabama.

• Memorial Service: Saturday, August 15, 2026, at 11:30 AM CST at Trinity Church.

• Graveside & Military Honors: Approximately 1:30 PM CST at Wadley City Cemetery in Wadley, Alabama, with honors rendered by the United States Marine Corps.

Memorial Contributions

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Richard Coker Scholarship Fund, established in memory of Richard Coker. The scholarship will support a local student pursuing a career in medicine, honoring the extraordinary and compassionate team who cared for Richard during his illness. You may use this link to make a donation https://givebutter.com/untitled-campaign-0f8lvy or mail a check to Richard Coker Scholarship Fund 2776 Lakeview Terrace Opelika, Alabama 36801