Obituary of John Michael Coker

John Michael Coker, 52, of Columbia, SC passed away May 20, 2015 at Vanderbilt Medical Center Nashville, Tennessee. He was born on December 7, 1962 in Allendale, South Carolina to Truma (Rook) Coker and the late Harry Coker. John was an energetic, compassionate and outgoing person. He was very strong in his Christian faith and had a unique ability to connect with the people around him. A kind soul, he was selfless to a fault. A graduate of Lower Richland High School High School and Wingate College, he was an outstanding student and an amazing athlete. He played football in high school and college. He maintained his fitness even later in life by continuing in body building. After college, John spent a career working as a Regional HR director for Community Health Systems. He was tasked with the careful management and oversight of new and existing programs. John most loved his family. He loved his mother's cooking, and would make sure he was near during all the Christmases, Thanksgivings, and any opportunity the family could be together. John's kindness to everyone he met was a gift from God. He truly will be missed by all that knew him. John is survived by his loving wife, Terri Denise Coker, of South Hill, VA; his children, Kaylee Coker and Jackson Queen also of South Hill, VA; and a sister, Pam C. Neese (Paul) of Columbia, SC. John is also survived many very special nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his father, Harry Coker, Sr. and his brother, Mack Coker, Jr. A celebration of John's life will be at Temple Baptist Church, 806 Universal Drive, Columbia, SC 29209 on Saturday, May 23, 2015 at 12 PM with Reverend David Sturgeon officiating. The family will receive friends and family one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will be at Crestview Memorial Park, 18599 Highway 1 North, LaCrosse, VA, 23950 at 1 PM on Sunday, May 24, 2015. Thompson Funeral Home at Greenlawn Memorial Park, 845 Leesburg Road, Columbia, SC 29209 is assisting the family. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Temple Baptist Church, 806 Universal Drive, Columbia, SC 29209.