Charles Gordon Coley, 76, born Sept. 15, 1937 in Vocation, Ala., died peacefully at home on Aug. 13, 2014.
Mr. Coley was preceded in death by his parents, Charles Edward and Lucille Cruit Coley.
Mr. Coley was the son of a farmer and merchant in Monroe County. He had his first job selling newspapers at age 4.
He attended J.U. Blacksher High School in Uriah, where he was active in band and sports. However, he was most notably remembered as being the class clown.
In the afternoons after school, he and his buddies would box to entertain the salesmen at his parents’ store.
Upon graduation from high school at age 17, he chose to join the United States Marine Corps instead of accepting a football scholarship from Livingston University (now known as the University of West Alabama). While in the Marines his musical talent led him to become a member of the Drum and Bugle Corps.
Serving his country he gained not only knowledge, but also respect and understanding for others.
After leaving the Corps, he met and soon married the most beautiful girl in the world, the love of his life, Opal. Once married, they lived in Panama City, Fla. where he played bass guitar in a rock and roll band called “THE OFFBEATS.”
He left the music scene after a few months and moved back home to focus on educational pursuits.
With discipline and determination, he earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Alabama. This degree would not only open the door to wonderful job opportunities through the years, but also help him achieve success throughout his life.
Music would continue to be an integral part of his life. Spare time and weekends were filled with gospel singings, church homecomings, revivals and simple gatherings of family and friends. Through his music and voice he was able to evangelize using his talents to advance the Gospel of Christ.
After many successful years in the corporate world entrepreneurship called his name. He built and operated WXWY radio station in Robertsdale. He became active in the high school football program, announcing games where he will lovingly be forever known as “The Voice of the Golden Bears.”
His involvement with the local community coupled with his business experience and knowledge resulted in a natural progression to service to his community through the political realm.
He served as mayor of the city of Robertsdale from 1988-1992, where he was instrumental in moving Robertsdale forward to a more modern time. One of his most notable contributions was the establishment of the veteran’s park on the north end of Robertsdale, where 44 American flags fly proudly honoring local veterans who served in the first Persian Gulf war.
In his later years bass fishing and being on the water became his own personal sanctuary. He thoroughly enjoyed participating in his favorite tournament trails, one of which was the Team Jesus Bass Tournament, which he was delighted to win one year.
He also became more active in the local Masonic Lodge, serving one year as the lodge’s Worshipful Master.
His love of music never wavered, even in his later years, as evidenced by the musical thread seen in all aspects of his life. He loved playing his piano and bass guitar intermingled with the telling of many colorful stories, and would pick and sing with anyone who dropped by.
Mr. Coley is survived by his faithful wife of 52 years, Opal Coleman Coley; one devoted sister, Janice (Bo) Dyal; four loving daughters, Angela (Tommy) Lambert, Althea (Roger) McGhee, Allison Wiggins and Ashlee (Corey) Sharp; eight granddaughters, Sarae (Ray) Roberts, Rebecca (Steve) Murray, Lindsay Wiggins, Jill Lambert, Brooke McGhee, Lauren Wiggins, Rachel Sharp and Gracie Sharp; three grandsons, Ryan Lambert, Coley McGhee and Luke Wiggins; three great-granddaughters, Addison Roberts, Ally Roberts and Ollie Elizabeth Murray; two great-grandsons, Jacob Murray and Jon Murray; and numerous extended family and close friends.
There is no doubt that he was a very special and unique man. He will live on as we choose to honor him. Smiling because he lived, opening our eyes to see all that he has left, and being full of the love he so freely shared.
Rest in peace – We love you!
Funeral services will be held Saturday, Aug. 16, 2014, at 10 a.m., at Robertsdale United Methodist Church, with the Rev. Steve Spining officiating.
Graveside services with military honors will be held at Enon Baptist Cemetery in Goodway, Ala.
A visitation will be held Friday, Aug. 15, 2014, from 6-8 p.m., at Mack Funeral Home in Robertsdale.
Arrangements by Mack Funeral Home, Robertsdale.
