Chris Coyner

Chris was preceded in death by his Grandparents, Harold and Delma Kirby of Dunbar and Keith and Jackie Coyner of Hurricane WV; Uncles, Bill, Rick, and Tom Kirby.

He is survived by Mother, Barb Kirby Moore/Gary of Scott Depot, WV; Father, Jim Coyner/Jeanna of St. Albans, WV; Aunts and Uncles, including Rhonda Richardson, Gloria Kirby, Gloria Fox, Roger/Susie Moore; Niece & Nephews, Kimberly Justice/Brett and Greg Moore; Stepbrother, Eric Moore/Teresa; and his many cousins and extended family members.

Chris was born on April 14, 1973 and graduated from South Charleston High School in 1991. In 1997, He graduated from West Virginia State College with a Bachelor of Science degree in Communications. He started working at WCHS News 8 in Charleston, WV as a Photojournalist. In 2001 he moved south to Tampa, Fl. He started working for the Tampa Bay News station WFTS 28. Shortly thereafter he found his home with WFLA News Channel 8. He was an awarding winning Photojournalist and was a pro at his job. He had excellent work ethic and an even better work family. He loved photography, and was always hoping to get that next great shot.

Chris lived his life to the fullest. He loved boating and fishing with Gary and Friends and kayaking the crystal clear water of Crystal River and Weeki Wachee. He was an avid Skydiver, and loved the adrenaline rush it gave him. He was always planning his next meal by recreating dishes from the Food Network and was just beginning to dabble with hiking and developing survivalist skills.

Chris was a big fan of Tampa’s professional sports teams, the Bucs, Bolts and the Rays and was a WVU Mountaineers’ fan for life.

After learning of his cancer diagnosis and that his time would be cut short, he was determined to enjoy life. He bought himself his dream muscle Car, a 1969 Electric Blue convertible Chevelle. He loved driving his friends around Davis Islands, and seeing the look on their faces with the more than occasional burnouts in his car. He inherited his love of fast cars from his Grandfather Coyner. He became a frequent tire customer of Olin Mott and loved every second of life!

But as much as he loved his car, and his hobbies. He loved his Davis Islands Family more. They are an eclectic family of friends and are truly genuine, real people. He loved the friendships he made at “The Corner!” Routinely, after working evening shifts at WFLA he would go to the neighborhood corner bar to decompress from the days events; talk and hangout with good friends. Chris was honored and blessed to have been a member of the Davis Islands’ Family.

Chris was an amazing, courageous man, who fought cancer as hard as he could. He bravely accepted his fate and was more concerned how those around him would handle his passing. He was a warrior. Special thanks to LifePath Hospice for the care they provided Chris.

A Celebration of Life service is planned for October 8, 2022 at the Blount & Curry Funeral Home located at 605 S MacDill Avenue in Tampa Florida. The gathering starts at 12pm and Services at 2pm. Michael Matthews, Chris’s good friend, is the Officiant.

In lieu of flowers, Chris would prefer you help someone in need, buy someone a lunch, do something kind for someone without expecting something in return.

A Celebration of Life reception will follow after the service at “The Coyner” located at 238 E. Davis Blvd on Davis Islands. Tampa, Fl. From 3:30 - 5:30 pm.