Billy Glenn Coley

November 18, 1930 - June 25, 2014
Billy Glenn Coley

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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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  • June 29, 2014
    John and Susan Furr says:
    So sorry to hear of Bill's passing. Thinking of you all. Prayers lifted up.

  • June 28, 2014
    KYM LAWSON says:
    God bless our Navy service members, whether current, or veterans. Keep them in your loving care, dear Lord. Amen

  • June 28, 2014
    Becky Edwards says:
    Bill was a wonderful man -- so friendly and compassionate to all... He would be there for anyone that needed anything... His humor was a blessing for all...our hearts go out to all his family...He will be dearly missed .. Becky, Tommy & Michael Edwards

  • June 28, 2014
    Becky Edwards says:
    Bill was a wonderful man -- so friendly and compassionate to all... He would be there for anyone that needed anything... His humor was a blessing for all...our hearts go out to all his family...He will be dearly missed .. Becky, Tommy & Michael Edwards

  • June 27, 2014
    Gail Jones says:
    I always enjoyed Billy's wonderful sense of humor. He will be dearly missed.