William Lawrence Coker

William Lawrence Coker, known by most as Sonny, passed away on Thursday, June 16th, 2022 in Tuscaloosa, AL at the age of 78. Services will be held on Monday, June 20th at 12:00 at Northport Church of God with Sunset Funeral Home directing; the service will be officiated by Bishop Greg Strickland and Rev. Don Sanders. Visitation will be at 10:30 prior to the service. A burial service will follow at Pate cemetery in Buhl, AL.

Sonny was born on April 24,1944 in Echola, AL to Evie “Granny” Coker. He was proceeded in death by his mother Evie Coker, his brother Charles Coker and sisters Shirley Hunter and Linda Lawson. He is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Brenda Channell Coker, his mother-in-law Mary Lee Channell, his sisters Joyce Perkins (Charles), Marilyn Elliott (Burt), Bonnie Lynn, and Janice Kincaid (Bill); His daughter Sonya Coker Lamb (David), his son Jason Lawrence Coker (Lynette), and his daughter Amy Coker Clemmons (Shane). He adored his eight grandchildren: Jessica Lamb, Zack Coker, Izzy Lamb, Taylor Clemmons, Luke Coker, Will Lamb, Ella Kate Coker, and Cooper Clemmons. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Sonny worked alongside his brother, Charles, at Coker’s Garage and Body Shop for over 40 years, before opening Sonny Coker’s Body Shop for the last 17 years of his career. Sonny’s love of cars, his ability to fix anything and his genuine love of people led to great success. But the highest praise for Sonny was in the faithful customers over decades who sought him out due to his commitment to excellence and the highest standards of quality and fairness.

Coming to Christ in his 20’s, Sonny poured himself into faithful service at both Buhl Church of God and Northport Church of God. Whether it was singing in the choir, driving the church van to pick up those who otherwise could not have made it to church or serving wherever needed, Sonny was passionate about doing for others. Selfless with his time and unconditional in his love, Sonny never met a stranger and sought out ways to be a blessing everyday.

But, his greatest joy was in being “PawPaw”. His face would light up when one of his grandchildren walked in the room. With his trademark patience and calm, quiet demeanor, spending time with his grandchildren and attending as many ballgames, recitals, concerts and activities as possible was his favorite pastime.

Although he never raised his voice, Sonny’s legacy of love, faithfulness, generosity and kindness will echo for eternity.

Pallbearers will be Jessica Lamb, Zack Coker, Izzy Lamb, Taylor Clemmons, Luke Coker, Will Lamb, Ella Kate Coker, and Cooper Clemmons.

Honorary pallbearers will be Dr. Brian Wilhite, Dale Bobo, Shane Coker, Shannon Coker, Lamar Sanders, Don & Sharron Sanders, Mike and Linda Pongerator, Sherry Jones, Steve Channell, Cheryl Burroughs, Northport Church of God and Buhl Church of God.

Sunset Funeral Home a Dignity Memorial Funeral Home is honored to serve the Coker family during this time of bereavement.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.SunsetBrown-Funeral.com for the Coker family.