Robert Martin Coker died August 29, 2016, at the age of 73, after battling illness for several years. Robert completed his undergraduate degree at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, before joining the Navy in 1966. He served 2 tours in Vietnam as an aviator and completed his active duty at Whidbey Island in 1969 as a lieutenant with Patrol Squadron TWO. He always looked back fondly on his Navy days. After his honorable discharge Robert moved to Atlanta to attend Emory University School of Law and began his law career at the office of the Fulton County Public Defender. Several years later he moved to the DeKalb County District Attorney's office from which he retired in 2005. Robert loved to read, especially books about American history, and those by and about Winston Churchill. Robert loved animals and animals loved him back. Before he became ill he could often be seen around the neighborhood walking his beloved beagle while wearing his beagle cap. Practically the only time he wasn't wearing his beagle hat was when he switched it with his Atlanta Braves hat in (usually unsuccessful) attempts to bring good luck to his favorite team. He and his daughter were not allowed by the family to attend Braves' games together because, despite many attempts, they never once saw the team win while at the stadium. However, he and his son did not have that same curse. Robert loved spending time with his wife and children. He instilled in his children the value of education, the arts, the outdoors and athletics. He was extraordinarily kind, witty and ethical. He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Judith, his daughter Sarah McIver Coker of New Orleans, LA, and his son Allen Martin Coker (Elisabeth) of Rochester, NY, grandchildren Joseph Martin Coker and Anna Elizabeth Coker also of Rochester. He is also survived by his sister Mary Elizabeth Britt (Gerald) of Raleigh, NC, his brother-in-law, George Coker (Ann) of Roswell, GA, and several nieces and nephews. His ashes will be interred in a private ceremony on Friday, September 16, at the Georgia National Cemetery and a memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 17, at 2 pm at Emory Presbyterian Church to celebrate his life. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his name may be made to the Atlanta Humane Society. A.S. Turner & Sons Funeral Home and Crematory
Funeral Home:
A. S. Turner & Sons
2773 North Decatur Road
Decatur, GA
30033
Friday, September 16, 2016
Starts at 1:00 pm (Eastern time)
Georgia National Cemetery
Saturday, September 17, 2016
Starts at 2:00 pm (Eastern time)
Emory Presbyterian Church
Visits: 8
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