William Robert (Bill) Cohrs, loved and respected by many, left this life suddenly on Tuesday, January 21, 2020. His warm smile, gentle nature, steady temperament and dry sense of humor were appreciated by all who knew him. He will be fondly remembered and sorely missed.
Bill was born in Vicksburg, MI on February 8, 1950 to Fred Robert and Maxine Muir Cohrs. He was raised in a loving, active and happy family where he was the second child in a family of 4 boys and two girls. Bill loved sports at an early age and was a star athlete at Vicksburg High School where he excelled in basketball, football and track & field. Prior to his graduation in 1968, he set a state record in the high jump.
A diligent student, Bill earned his undergraduate degree as well as a Masters, Mechanical Engineering from Michigan State University. He was a forward for the Spartans basketball team and held a life-long sports allegiance for his alma mater. Bill went on to earn his Juris Doctorate from the University of Virginia at Charlottesville in 1980.
Bill enjoyed a highly successful professional life as a trademark and copyright attorney which began in Atlanta with the firm of Hurt, Richardson, Garner, Todd & Cadenhead. After six years with King & Spalding, Bill spent the majority (and remainder) of his career with Exxon-Mobile at their world headquarters in Irving, TX. The international nature of his responsibilities afforded Bill an opportunity to visit many parts of the world. He retired after twenty-two years with Exxon in June of 2012.
Bill met the love of his life, Susan Blakemore, when they were employed by the same firm in Atlanta. They married on June 20, 1981. As a couple, they enjoyed athletics, dancing and extensive travel. Bill & Susan moved to Coppell in 2005 and grew to love the community and its people. Many happy memories & experiences in Coppell led them to recently decide they would remain in Coppell indefinitely. Bill and Susan were both “doers” and actively contributed to various community organizations as well as their church. Bill & Susan understood that the freedoms they so appreciated in this great nation are only possible by the diligence of its citizens and both did their part by contributing generously of their time and talents. Bill was an Election Judge since 2012, a member of the Coppell Republican Club (where he most recently served as Treasurer) and attended the Coppell Citizens Police Academy. Bill & Susan were similarly committed to their faith. As valued and active members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Bill served in varied capacities including the coordination of clean-up efforts for those affected by tornados in Canton, TX and Hurricane Harvey in Houston. His most recent assignment was teaching the 6-7 year old class each Sunday with Susan – which he loved as much as his young students loved him!
Bill was predeceased by his parents, Fred (97) and Maxine (94). He is survived by his wife, Susan Catherine Blakemore Cohrs, sons David Lynn, Matthew Wylie & Luke Edward, six grandchildren (Thomas Beach, Genevieve Fonov, Darby Adams, Timothy Adams, Gary Adams and Grace Olivia Adams) one great-grandchild (Luka Fonov) and siblings Fred, Dan, Maryann Cohrs Weaver, Nancy and Tim.
A viewing will be held on Wednesday, January 29, 2020 from 6-8pm at Rolling Oaks Funeral Home, 400 Freeport Parkway, Coppell, TX. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, January 30, 2020 with a short viewing from 1-1:45pm and services beginning at 2pm in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 615 North MacArthur Blvd, Coppell, TX. The family has requested that any donations individuals desire to make should be directed to The Salvation Army.
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