Billy Wallace Coker, D.D.S.

Billy Wallace Coker, DDS was born on November 4, 1922 in Livingston, TX to Andrew Wallace Coker and Martha Elizabeth Shine Coker. The family moved to Huntsville when Bill was two. He graduated from Huntsville High School and attended Sam Houston State Teachers College until World War II interfered. He joined the United States Army Air Corps in 1943 and was a B-17 gunnery sergeant during the war. He instructed gunners at military bases in Paris, TX; Harlingen, TX; Kingman, AZ; Gulfport, MS; and Lincoln, NE.

In 1943 Bill married Merle Munson of Huntsville during a 72 hour leave where they rendezvoused in Dallas and drove to Mineral Wells where his brother Ralph Coker was stationed.

He graduated from University of Texas School of Dentistry in 1950 and returned to Huntsville and opened his office where he practiced dentistry for 35 years. He also served as dentist for Texas Department of Corrections until he retired in 1985. For a period of time he served as Chief of Dental Services. Dr. Coker also did years of medical missions in Haiti.

He was involved in the formation and charter of American Bank of Huntsville and served as Director for many years. He was a former member of Huntsville Independent School District School Board and served as its’ President for a number of years. He was a member of First Methodist Church of Huntsville, Rotary Club, American Dental Association and Texas Dental Association.

He is survived by his wife of 68 ½ years, Merle Coker of Belton. They are the proud parents of Karen Hewitt (Richard) of Trophy Club, Jeff Coker (Carol) of Huntsville, Debbie Gorden (Todd) of Temple, and Dottie Tullar (Craig) of Trophy Club; grandchildren Melissa Mares, Lee Coker, Billy Stockton, Sarah Sudlow, and Stephen Sudlow. He is also survived by his niece Julia Roberts (Clark), and nephew James Robert Coker, three great-grandchildren, and a host of family and friends he cherished over a lifetime. He was preceded in death by his parents, siblings Ray Coker, Autis Coker, Alma Lea Wanzer, and Ralph Coker, and son Jack Coker.

Visitation is Thursday, April 26, 7:00 p.m., at Huntsville Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, April 27, at First United Methodist Church. Interment will follow at Oakwood Cemetery.

Memorials may be made in honor of his loving wife Merle to the Alzheimer’s Association @ www.alz.org