William "Bill" A. Coby, Jr. of St. Louis, MO on Mon., Dec. 24, 2018 at the age of 75. Beloved son of the late Evelyn M. (nee Ryan) and Carl J. Sides and William A. Coby, Sr. Cherished grandson of the late Mary E. Ryan. Dearest Step Brother of the late Francis C., Donald T. and Loraine Sides (nee Pratt). Dear Step Nephew of Karl K. Sides. Dear Cousin of Jonel Bell. Dear friend of James (Judy) Berg.
Bill graduated from Southwest High School in 1961 and then earned a Master Degree in Music from the Juilliard School. He was a professional photographer for 51 years and for over 25 years he was a contracted photographer for KMOX radio where he photographed employees, Baseball Cardinals, Charlie Brennan Morning Show, Late Night with Jim White, photographed Mayor Slay and former President Jimmy Carter. He was a member of the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary for 30 years and held several positions including Past Division Commander. Bill was a liaison during Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, Gustav and Ike. Bill was operationally qualified as Boat Crew Member as well as an Operational Auxiliarist Specialty Program (AUXOP). He earned 40 U.S. Coast Guard Awards including Recreational Boating Safety Device, Presidential Unit Citation, Six Coast Guard Meritorious Team Award Commendation, Coast Guard Meritorious Team Award Commendation, two Auxiliary Letter of Commendation, Auxiliary Humanitarian Service Award, ten Sustained Auxiliary Service, five Auxiliary Membership Ribbon, Auxiliary Operations Ribbon, Auxiliary Achievement Ribbon, Auxiliary Commendation Award, Department of Transportation Secretary's Outstanding Unit Award and Coast Guard Bicentennial Unit Award. He worked at the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Center for 10 years as a Warehouse Clerk. He owned and operated Crystal Color Lab for 19 years. He was a Ham Radio Operator for 24 years where he volunteered for many events which included the MS 150, Fair Saint Louis and the Moon Light Ramble to name a few. Bill was a member of Professional Photographers Association, Navy League, U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary 8WR Past Division Commanders Association, Saint Louis Theater Organ Society, Egyptian Ham Radio Club, St. Louis & Suburban Radio Club, American Legion and Volunteer @ First Robotics.
Funeral service to be held at Hoffmeister South County Chapel, 1515 Lemay Ferry Road, St. Louis, MO on Mon., Dec. 31, 2018 at 9:30 a.m. Interment Mount Hope Cemetery. Visitation Sun., Dec. 30 from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. Condolences may be offered at www.hoffmeistersouthcounty.com. In lieu of flowers, contributions to the Humane Society of Missouri appreciated.
