Lenich Coker

Surrounded by his family, Mr. Lenich Eric Coker, Sr., age 74, peacefully passed away Wednesday, August 1, 2012, at his residence after an illness. A funeral service will be held at 11am, Saturday, August 4, 2012, at Horse Branch Free Will Baptist Church directed by Floyd Funeral Home of Olanta. Visitation will be held from 6-8pm Friday, August 3, 2012, at Horse Branch Free Will Baptist Church. Born in Clarendon County, he was the son of the late Willie M. Coker and Gladys Thomas Coker. He was a former Lake City High School Band Instructor, headmaster of Carolina Academy in Lake City, and the founder and present owner of Coker Business Systems, Inc., of Turbeville. For 41 years, he was the music director of Horse Branch Free Will Baptist Church, where the Coker Music Building was dedicated in his honor and as memorial to him and his father. Together, they served as music directors at Horse Branch Free Will Baptist Church for 86 consecutive years. He was director of The Puddin Swamp Singers from 1989-2009, Turbeville Town Council Member from 1995-2001, Named Turbeville Town Ambassador on April 16, 2009, and a Turbeville Ruritan Member. He recieved his Bachelors of Arts from Newberry College in 1963 and Masters of Education from SC State in 1973. He is preceded in death by his sister, Sylvia Mullineaux. He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth L. Coker; two sons, Lenich Eric (Karen) Coker, Jr., and Willie Michael (Julie) Coker; six grandsons, Lenich Eric Coker III, Carson Lee Coker, Christopher Michael Coker, David Allen Coker, Ryan Thomas Coker, Garrett Daniel Coker; and one granddaughter, Madison Laine Coker. Lenich was cared for by Amedisys Hospice during his final illness. The family extends special thanks to Beebe Coker for her love and support as she ministered to the family through this uncharted journey. Memorials may be made to the Music Department of Horse Branch Free Will Baptist Church. Online condolences may be made at www.floydfuneral.com To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Lenich Coker please visit our Sympathy Store.