David Ray Coterill

As a small boy in Hydro, David taught himself to play basketball using a tennis ball and an empty coffee can nailed to the side of the garage. From that beginning, he eventually went on to play in the Texas High School Basketball All Star Game.

David graduated from Ray High School in Corpus Christi, Class of 1953. He earned a basketball scholarship to Rice University. He received a BSc from Rice University in 1957; he became a Christian in his sophomore year.

David went on to receive a MDiv at Bob Jones University in 1961 in preparation for the ministry. After several years in the ministry, and starting his own family, he attended Dallas Theological Seminary where he received an MTh degree in 1971. In 1989, he completed The Study of “Q” from Claremont Graduate School of Religion followed by graduate study in Philosophy at the University of Oregon, 1990.

David received his ordination in 1962, after which he pastored a missionary church in San Jose, California, for several years. During that time, he was also a coach and administrator at a Christian High School. He then spent his career in both Christian education and church ministries. He was the founding administrator of Trinity Christian Academy in Dallas, and Westside Christian School in Portland, Oregon. He also spent time in Liberia, West Africa, where he taught church history to African men from every region of the continent. Upon returning to the United States, his ministered at the Lake Grove Presbyterian Church in Lake Grove, Oregon, and upon retirement, provided interim pastorates at several churches including Bethany Evangelical Free Church in Canby, Oregon. David believed the strength of church is diversity and yet agreement. Please send prayers of rejoicing for David's years of dedicated service to family and church.

David was an athlete who enjoyed football and basketball throughout his life. He also enjoyed hiking and backpacking in the wilderness. He was constantly reading and enjoyed all music but was partial to classical music.

David was preceded in death by his father, David Wesley Coterill, and mother, Carol Coterill, of Corpus Christi; he was also predeceased by his brother, Allen Wayne Coterill, and sister-in-law, Deanna Coterill of The Woodlands. He is survived by his sister, June Carol Carlson, of Port St. Lucie, Florida; his children Katrina Coterill Jenkins, David Mark Coterill, and Timothy Ray Coterill and his wife of 62 years, Anita Marie.

The family will gather for a small, private memorial service for David to celebrate his llife.

In Lieu of customary remembrances, please consider donations in his honor to be directed to the Houston Area Parkinson Society, 2700 Southwest Fwy #296, Houston, TX 77098.

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