Bruce Edward Coker

Bruce Edward Coker (Big Ed), U.S. Navy Retired Senior Chief Petty Officer, husband of Mary Catherine (Kay) Coker, departed this life on Tuesday, the 6th of January. Born Dec 18, 1946 in Lafollette TN. Ed was a loving father, husband and a great friend to many. His Military service included Security at the Pentagon before receiving orders for Vietnam, also serving aboard 9 surface ships and stood shore duty in all corners of the globe before Retiring from service in 1985. A couple of the highlights in life were seeing Bob Hope visiting the troops, Playing football for the Navy’s European League in Spain/Italy, and was an avid fan of Notre Dame Football. He also enjoyed being a Scout master & was a Football & Baseball coach for both of his sons. Big Ed was also a gun enthusiast & an avid Hunter. After retiring from Military Service he worked with Alumax/Alcoa Aluminum at the Mount Holly Plant in Goose Creek, SC until finally retiring in 2004 Ed, in his later years, was often referred to as Santa, due to the Striking resemblance to Santa Claus, and would be approached & asked by children on many occasions, if he were the real thing… His answer was always (with a smile) “Yes… that’s me… “Family and Friends are invited to attend his Funeral Service on Tuesday January 13, 2015 at 12.00 P.M. at Carolina Memorial Funeral Home Chapel. The family will receive friends from 6.00 P.M. until 8.00 P.M. on Monday January 12, 2015 at Carolina Memorial Funeral Home. Ed / “Pappa” will live on in the hearts of his wife, Mary, mother in law Margaret Setzer, Brother Robert “Bud” Nace, Sister Susan Nace his 3 children David E. Coker, Shawn M. Reese, Jefferson J Coker, His seven amazing grandchildren and his beloved dog & best friend to end, Simon. Funeral services provided by Carolina Memorial Park, Funerals and Cremations.