He was my supervisor for part of my first national deployment. It was for Hur Irma in 2017. I was still a volunteer at that time. I think the only reason I ended up being his HQ sidekick was becuase I could pull and read reports from CAS. I remember showing him pictures of my dog when he was grumpy or things weren't going the way we wanted them to. "Hey Bob, can you take a look at this..." and it'd just be a picture of my dog. I'm sure he thought I was ridiculous but it made the work easier. He was such a kind badass. He's stayed in my thoughts when I try to describe to new volunteers what to expect and who they'd be serving with. I continue to be blown away by the people who deliver the Red Cross mission. There is no telling how many people's lives he's improved. I'm a better caseworker because of him and will continue to deliver our mission. 

- Kerri Foley, Red Cross of Massachusetts

To Bob's family:  He was a great man, always willing to help, witty, and always fun.   Kathryn, I know you will miss him.  I always enjoyed Bob when we were deployed together. He was an excellent leader and got things done right.   He will be so missed.  
Dee Wilson

Dear Coker Family,

You have my heart felt sympathies for your loss.  Bob was a man who spoke his mind.  You didn't have to wonder what he thought because he'd tell you, plainly.  

I knew him from working with him at the American Red Cross.  He shared his knowledge and expertise in a way that made sense.  Underneath his tough exterior was a man with a big heart, a man who cared about doing the right thing by those he served.  A man who could talk for hours, except on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Bob's grit and fierceness in support of clients is his forever legacy!  I will miss him.

Rest in peace Bob.

French L. Brown

The Tierney's had the distinct honor of sharing many great times and memories with Bob.  He was the King of LaCasa while there and when he was not ruling, he was always having fun on the golf course or just helping out friends.  We are so happy to have enjoyed each and every encounter, and you will be in our thoughts forever.

So sorry for the loss of the wonderful Man.  I have so many childhood memories of hanging out with his daughter Jerri.  We took a wonderful family vacation to New Orleans and Gulf Shores and I was very lucky to join them.   Prayers for the Coker family at this hard time!  Love, Susan Teague Hinton

Bob will be greatly missed by all who knew him. On every deployment he always greeted us with his big smile and huge hugs. The life, love and compassion y'all shared together was an inspiration to all who knew you. I'm very sorry for your families loss and am very thankful to have had the privilege to know him.

Bob was always friendly and jovial, ready to help me find an answer to my uh-oh, or problem that I had getting my Red Cross client what was needed. Sometimes saying that it is a Kathy problem. Here in S. GA we will miss him greatly.  My condolences and love to Kathy, family and friends.
Dianne Quinn

Bob was such a sweet kind & compassionate man. He was genuine and funny, couldn’t ask for a better friend. Kathy, you and Bob were a perfect match as you both were just alike, you were his perfect straight man. He will be missed by so many and myself included. I’ve thought of him often these last few years and now I will think of him with the Lord. My deepest sympathies to Kathy and all of your families during this difficult time. He was special.

I am so sorry for your loss. Kathy my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Bob helped me to solve situations i got into servicing clients with home fires and weather incidents for the past several years.  Had a problem call Bob!   As a DA Manager, Bob was my supervisor in one of the flood DRO's in Houston Texas and led us as no one else could.  His heart, spirit, and enthuisasm was present in every second of his effort to serve our clients. Gods speed Bob!

I have many good memories of Bobby and the days before we all scattered from Snellville! He was always a fun guy to be around, and a great friend! Deep down he was a man of substance and his life was well lived! 

Godspeed Bobby!

Bill Cooper
Winter Springs, Florida

Bob was such a great person. He made a huge impact on both the clients he served as a Red Cross Leader, as well as the other volunteers and staff he interacted with on a near daily basis. I count myself lucky to have worked with him. Kathy and the rest of his family will remain in our thoughts and prayers. -Seth and Chelsea Sawyer.

Had many opportunities to work on DR’s with you.  Thank you for the knowledge and guidance you gave me and more importantly thank you for showing what being a volunteer is all about.
May you rest in peace and with no pain!

Kathy we love you so much.  Our heart breaks for you and your family.  Bob was such a great & kind man.  We will always remember all the deployments we had gone on with you & Bob with the Red Cross.  We will miss him so much.   He had a good heart & helped so many people.  It was an honor to call him our friend.  All our love Timm & BJ

Bob was a great friend and Red Cross mentor. He had a great sense of humor and always spoke his mind (at length lol). He had a tremendous passion for helping people. It was an honor and a privilege to have known him and he will always be in my memory & heart.

OBITUARY

Robert "Bobby" Lee Coker, Sr.

June 11, 1939 – November 18, 2023

Smith Memory Chapel

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