SGM William L. Coley (ret), age 78, of Montgomery, AL, passed suddenly Tuesday, June 7th, 2011. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Kazuko (Jackie), and four children: Thomas E. Coley, John W. Coley, Patricia M. Ovesen, and Florence M. Coley, and one daughter at heart, Carolyn Correia. He is preceded in death by one son, Robert P. Coley. He had 17 grandchildren, and several great-grandchildren.
A veteran of the Korean War and the Vietnam War, William served in the U.S. Army for 32 years, earning multiple medals and awards, including 3 bronze stars for bravery. He retired in 1981, and attended Auburn University Montgomery, where he received a Bachelor's Degree in Accounting.
He had the rare ability to make everyone feel like family, and was an example of everything a man should be.
Visitation will be at White Chapel Funeral Home in Montgomery Friday, June 10th at 10:00 a.m., followed by a chapel service at 11:00 a.m. Burial with full military honors will follow in Oakwood Annex Cemetery. The family asks for donations to be made to the Disabled American Veterans in place of flowers.
