Billy Glenn “Bill” Coley, 83, of Kure Beach, N.C., passed away on Wednesday, June 25, 2014.
Born in Burlington to Herman Thomas and Alta Glenn Coley, Bill is preceded in death by his parents and brother Herman Thomas Coley, Jr.
Bill proudly served in the U.S. Navy on the USS Piedmont during the Korean War. Afterward, he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Business from Elon University. Bill and his wife of 50 years, Martha Boone Coley, raised their family in Concord, N.C. He worked for Duke Energy in Charlotte, retiring in 1989 after 40 years of service. He was known as the “matchmaker” at Duke, with at least 22 employees meeting and marrying during his 10 years as director of the company’s accounting systems and controls.
After retirement, the couple packed their bags and moved to Kure Beach for fresh air and fishing. Both enjoyed years of catching king mackerel off the Kure Beach Pier and sloshing through muddy creeks gigging for flounder. On one deep sea fishing trip, Bill hauled in a 72-pound sailfish, a replica of which hangs in the home.
Family and friends will remember Bill for his kindness to all, his quiet strength, optimism and most of all, his humor and love of life.
Bill is survived by his wife, Martha, son David L. Coley of Durham, son William A. Coley of Kure Beach, daughter Renee C. Gannon and her husband, Thomas, of Wake Forest, as well as four granddaughters: Caitlyn Coley of Mooresville and Erin, Megan and Rachel Gannon of Wake Forest.
A memorial service celebrating Bill’s life will be held on Sunday, June 29, 2014, at 3:30 p.m., at Saint Paul’s United Methodist Church, 300 Harper Ave., Carolina Beach, N.C. 28428.
Visitation with the family will follow the service at the church.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to Saint Paul’s UMC or to the Triangle Down Syndrome Network, 600 New Waverly Place, Suite 101, Cary, NC 27518.
Arrangements are in the care of Wilmington Funeral & Cremation 1535 S. 41st Street Wilmington, NC 28403 910.791.9099
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