Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) Terry Jay Coker, a resident of Naples, Florida, died Monday, October 5, 2020, after an extended illness. Visitation will be Sunday, October 18th, 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. at Leak Memory Chapel in Montgomery, Alabama, with a celebration of life graveside memorial service following at Greenwood Cemetery at 3:00 p.m. Please remember to wear your face mask and social distancing is appreciated.
Upon graduation from Tallassee High School in 1961, Lt. Col. Coker earned a bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and was commissioned a 2nd Lt. in the United States Air Force from Auburn University in 1966; and he earned a Master’s Degree in System’s Management from the University of Southern California in 1974.
Lt. Col. Coker’s military educational background includes the Transportation Officer’s Basic and Advanced Courses, the Army Command and General Staff College, and numerous procurement courses. His assignments included duties as a Squadron Section Commander in the U.S. Air Force; and helicopter pilot, instructor pilot, aircraft maintenance officer, and procurement officer in the U.S. Army. Lt. Col. Coker served a combat tour in Vietnam in 1969 – 1970 with the 1st Calvary Division (Air-Mobile). He retired from the U.S. Army on June 30, 1986.