The Royal Oak community is in mourning following the unexpected passing of Chad Coker on December 3, 2013. Chad was only 33 years old.
Chad was a devoted husband and father to his four precious children: Christian (15), Theron (5), Honor (4), and Decklyn (2). The day before his death, he and his expectant wife Laura went to their ultrasound, and he was blessed to meet his daughter Olivea, who is due at the end of January 2014. Chad adored and cherished his family above all and would want to know they are being loved and cared for.
Many people have asked how they can help since Chad was a disabled veteran and without life insurance. An online campaign was launched to support Laura and her children during this difficult time.
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Community Support
Donations, including $1,000 from an anonymous donor, continue to pour in for the family. An online campaign to help the family of Chad Coker is nearly 90 percent to its goal, bringing in more than $7,600 in just 12 days. The page reads: "I'm asking for love and support from the Royal Oak community to help this young family.
Many people are asking for updates and information. Chad will be cremated and Laura will be bringing him home, in the house he bought for them, where they bonded as family. She is choosing what is best for her kids and has decided to wait on a service for Chad possibly sometime next year after the baby is born and things have settled down a bit.
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Solecki provided this update: "I would like to express her deepest gratitude for all of your prayers, love, help, and support. This has truly been overwhelming to see how amazingly generous you have all been. So many of you are making sacrifices to help Laura and her precious kids through this extremely difficult time, and she is so appreciative, beyond words."
Other Memorial Services
While details regarding Chad Coker's service are pending, various memorial services for other individuals have been announced across different locations:
- Memorial services are 2 pm on Friday, November 7, 2025, in the Chapel of McGahee-Griffin & McEntire, with Rev. Charles Phillips and Rev.
- Funeral services are 11 am on Friday, November 7, 2025, in the Chapel of McGahee-Griffin & McEntire, with Rev. Jeremy Carlan and Rev. Eric S. on Thursday, November 6, 2025, from the Chapel of McGahee-Griffin & McEntire Funeral Home with Rev. Kenneth Taylor and Rev.
- No public services are planned for this time.
- A funeral service will be held on Saturday, November 8, 2025 at 2:00 PM in the Chapel at Memorial Park Funeral Home.
- A funeral service will be held at the Chapel of Memorial Park Funeral Home on Sunday, November 9, 2025 at 2:00 PM.
- Friday, November 7, 2025 at Barrett Funeral Home.
- in the Chapel of Flanigan Funeral Home, Buford Ga.
- Saturday, November 8, at Sullivan-King Mortuary Chapel conducted by The Rev. Chase Edgar.
- Funeral service will be held Sunday, November 16, 2025 at 11 AM at Hamilton Mill Memorial Chapel . Rev.
- Memorial services are 11 am on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, in the Chapel of McGahee-Griffin & McEntire, with Rev. Jack Enloe and Mr.
- A visitation to honor Ellen's life will be held on November 6, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Ivie Funeral Home, located at 1053 S. Elm Street, Commerce, GA. Following the visitation, a meal will take place at New Salem Church on Hwy.
- Funeral Services will be held at 3:00 pm on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, at Whitfield Funeral Home, North Chapel with Rev. Phil DeMore and Rev. Dr.
- Visitation will be held on Friday, November 7, 2025 at 2:00 PM with a service following at 3:30 PM in the Chapel of Memorial Park Funeral Home. Maria M.
- A mass service will be held at St. in Strickland Funeral Home Chapel, Chaplain Zachary Lauersdorf will officiate the service.
- Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, November 5, 2025 at 2 PM from the funeral home chapel with the Rev. Johnny A. on Thursday, November 6, 2025 with Rev. Ted Keen and Rev.
These services reflect the diverse ways communities come together to honor and remember their loved ones.
Remembering Vera McKenzie Coker
In related news, Vera McKenzie Coker, a beloved resident of the Barrineau Community, passed away peacefully on Friday, February 7, 2025, just shy of her 89th birthday. Born in Clarendon County on February 21, 1936, she was a daughter of the late Wylie Douglas McKenzie and the late Lottie Beard McKenzie.
Vera lived a life full of love, dedication, and service to her community and family. A devoted farmer and homemaker, Vera committed her life to these noble professions and the sharing of her humor, wisdom, compassion, and remarkable strength. Her enduring legacy is etched leaving a lasting impact and great memories on her community.
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Vera was a cherished mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend. She is survived by her two sons, Hubert Dwayne (Catherine) Coker of New Zion, and Dennis Randolph (Sheri) Coker of Lake City. She was a proud grandmother to Hubert Brandon (Darilyn) Coker of Blythewood, SC, and Deni Leigh Floyd (Zackary Blake) Floyd of Cades. Her great-grandchildren, Tessa Coker, Chad Coker, Ace Coker, Halleigh Porter, Georgia Porter, Anabella Porter, and Luke Floyd, as well as her step-grandchildren, Bryant (Adella) Smith and their children, Cayden and Madeline Smith, were the joy of her life. Vera is also survived by her loving sisters Christine Spring and Marie Eaddy, both of Lake City. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Hubert Randolph Coker, her parents, and siblings Juanita Barrineau, Letha Coker, Doug McKenzie, Durant McKenzie, Dean McKenzie, and Randy McKenzie.
Services to celebrate Vera's life will be held on Sunday, February 9, 2025, at 4 PM at the Barrineau Pentecostal Holiness Church. Family and friends are invited to gather for a visitation at the church from 3 - 4 PM prior to the service. The service will be officiated by Reverend Bobby Floyd and Reverend Michael Cantey, with burial following in the church cemetery.
Pallbearers honoring Vera will be Jamie McKenzie, Andrew Beard, Jodie Floyd, Kerry Barrineau, Greg Eaddy, Benji Spring, and Ryan McKenzie, all of whom held a special place in her life.
In lieu of flowers, the family request that memorials be made to the Missions program at Barrineau Pentecostal Holiness Church, 3709 St. James Road, Lake City, SC 29560. for their thoughtful arrangements and to all who have supported them during this difficult time. Vera McKenzie Coker will be deeply missed but fondly remembered for her unwavering love she generously shared with all.
Remembering Opal Coker
Mrs. Coker was born on December 15, 1941 in Stephens County, Georgia to the late Boyd and Gwendolyn Brown. Mrs. Coker was a graduate of Stephens County High School in 1959.
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Opal was an expert artist in sewing, porcelain doll making, and crocheting. As a member of the Atlanta Doll Makers Club, she helped plan and execute the yearly shows and won many awards for her variety of abilities in painting and dress making. She loved to travel with friends and family and was able to visit such places as Germany and Alaska, as well as many states across the country.
She was kind and nurturing, wanting everyone to feel loved and welcomed into her home. Opal was known as "Nana" to all. Nothing filled her heart more than spending time with her family. She made every holiday special with heartfelt gifts and fun games. She will be missed by so many.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the Whitfield Funeral Home, North Chapel at 245 Central Avenue, Demorest, Georgia 30535.
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