of Conway, AR
September 19, 1941 - January 9, 2008
January 9, 2008 was a day of rejoicing in Heaven as a precious soul was called home. The doors of heaven were opened wide with a magnitude of singing and praise as Ron Coker entered there.
A man that loves his Lord and stands for Him no matter where he was, in church, in the grocery store, McDonalds or on the lake, you could hear Ron speak of his God and his love for Him.
Ron was a man of many talents and touched people in all walks of life.
Everyone knew that behind that white tee shirt and blue overalls was a man that loved God, his family and his fellow man. Then came his love to fish and hunt. Ron was not only a fisherman for fish, but he was a fisherman for God. Through his witness of God many men and women have turned to Christ.
He was born in Lancaster, California on September 19, 1941 with his twin brother, Donnie, to Luster and Avanelle Johnson Coker.
His love for life began as a young boy growing up on a farm which his father tended to. Stories of his paint horse, rabbit hunting and swimming in the pond that supplied water to the animals and produce started his love for life.
Among the many jobs Ron had, stories of his days as a shoe shine boy where he would earn more money than his father on the farm, to his job on a produce stand.
At age 15, after the loss of his mother, he left school in the eleventh grade to begin his work career. Ron hired on to Lockeed where he worked on the L1011 airplanes (he worked his way to foreman of the flight line), then he moved on to space craft where he worked on all the Apollo crafts that landed on the moon. His work allowed him to work with several of the astronauts.
The Lord blessed Ron with three children, Kelly Jo, James (Jim) Dean, and Ronna Lea.
After working on the Apollo 13, he moved his family to Colorado Springs where he managed a seven bay garage gas station and car wash.
Following a bout with walking pneumonia and losing the middle lobe of his right lung, he moved his family to Arkansas where he worked for Morton Frozen Food prior to purchasing Slo Fork Grocery, which he ran from 1973 to 1984.
In August of 1980, he married the love of his life, Martha Earls.
In 1984 Ron and Martha moved to Conway where they owned Coker's Grocery at Saltillo and to care for his aunt, Edith Coker Herring Metcalf.
In 1985 they were blessed with the birth of a son, Daniel.
Ron developed the small grocery store into a well-stocked Grocery, feed and gas station and put Saltillo on the map as having the biggest little archery shop in Arkansas. He earned the title as the ''Archery Guru.''
His love for God, his family and his business family helped him through two major heart attacks during his 19 years as owner of Coker Grocery.
The joy of a child when he gave them a handful of Tootsie Rolls was what he lived for. Ron loved people.
He was preceded in death by his father, Luster Coker, his mother, Avanelle Johnson Coker, his twin brother Donnie Gene Coker, aunt, uncles, and nephew, Shelby Jackson.
He is survived by his wife of 27 years, Martha Earls Coker; daughter, Kelly Jo Mestyanek and granddaughter, Nichole Mestyanek of Lancaster, California; son, James (Jim) Dean Coker and wife Janet Horn Coker and grandson, Matthew Dean Coker of Allen, Texas; daughter, Ronna Coker and grandson, Dakota Lee Coker of Conway; son, Daniel Wilson Coker, granddaughter, Hayla Danielle Coker and grandson, Daniel Wilson Coker, Jr. of Stuttgart, Arkansas; a brother, Raymond Coker of Lancaster; and a sister, Bettie Jackson and husband Billy of Little Rock.
He also leaves behind a multitude of friends and brothers and sisters in Christ.
If you know Ron, you knew he wanted what was right for you and what was right for him, and what was right for his God.
His niceness and helping of people in need was his way of thanking God for all He had done for him.
Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday, January 12, at The Rock Solid Church in Conway (located beside Roller-McNutt), Rev. George Mutton and Rev. Clyde Phillips officiating.
Visitation is Friday from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Roller-McNutt Funeral Home in Conway.
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52 Condolence(s)
Martha Coker
Thursday, January 9, 2020
Hi Babe, I could not lay down to rest tonight without writing to you. Your short 12 years in Heaven has seen to be a million to me, since I last got to hold you, tell you I love you, and just hear you say "My Martha". You are still in my heart, my memories, my life and the life of your children and grandchildren. You are missed by all of us. We know you are having a blast up in Heaven, walking, talking with our Lord, getting to see and meet all the great man of God. Have your family with you. In the years you have been gone, you had gained a daughter in law, and a granddaughter, Chloe. She would have heart. You would be so proud of the others as well. Matt was grown up into a fine young man, finished college and working at a job he enjoys. Hayla and Bub are growing up too, 15 and 14 now. Both have taken in a love of music, playing sax, like their Dad. Nicole is a beautiful young lady, I believe she has finally found her true love. still working at the same place. I think she is making a career out of it. Kelly, Jim and Daniel miss you in their way.
I miss you so much, my best friend, husband and soul mate. But at same time I wouldn't ask for you to come to this cruel world. Until we see each other on the shores of Heaven, I will miss you, still hold my love for you and know God gave me one of the best blessings ever possible when He put out two hearts together. I
Love you, your Martha.
My Martha
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Baby, I can't believe it has been a year since I looked into your beautiful blue eyes and told you how much I loved you, held you in my arms, felt you body next to mine, knew your love, heard your voice and your "I Love you". . It has been a long and lonely year since the Lord called you home and you are still missed very much. There are still days that I feel your presence, sense your touch, know what your thoughts would be and see you in the lifes of our children and grandchildren. Bubba and Sissy often talk about Papaw being up in the sky watching over us, smiling down at us and seeing you in the clouds, you are still very much in our thoughts and hearts. You will never be completely gone, you live on in each of us, you left a great impression in all of us. I just pray I can carry on and guide this family in the way you would want. May all the lessons you taught us stay fresh in our minds and hearts and that someday we too will be called home to be there with you forever. All my love to my husband, my best friend, my partner in life, my counsler, my teacher, my soul mate and the love of my life. I love you so much and miss you so very much. Enjoy your new life and save a spot next to you at that big fishing spot in heaven for me. I know you have found Melchizedek and got all your questions answered by now. So when I get there you can fill me in on all that you have learned. Baby, i miss you but know you are better off there in heaven then in this messed up world. Just know that I will always hold your love in my heart and know that I was truely blessed with the best husband a woman could ever asked for and know that i was a blessed woman by both you and God. I LOVE YOU , Your Martha
tammy brady
Monday, February 4, 2008
you were loved by many. you will be forever missed. love, tammy
Manuela Silva
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
YOU HAVE ONE OF THE MOST SWEET SMILES I'VE EVER SEEN, AND I WILL NEVER FORGET YOU. YOU'LL LIVE IN MY HEART, FOREVER AND EVER! LOVE, FROM YOUR "BRAZILIAN DAUGHTER"... MANUELA
Sue Smith
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
I can"t belive its been two weeks, Ron has walked the streets of gold, sit with family and visit with many freinds. I think of him often and wonder what he's doing now. I'll always remenber the love that he had for his family, He would say "My Martha", I always thought that was so sweet. If Ron had any last wishes I belive it would be ,TAKE CARE OF'' MY MARTHA".
Kristie Jeter
Monday, January 14, 2008
God Bless you, Ronna....and your family. We love you!!
Ernie Clayton
Monday, January 14, 2008
Jim Sounds like your father led a long and wonderful life and lived it to the fullest. I am truly sorry for your loss.
Jeff and Vick Paul
Monday, January 14, 2008
We will miss his smiling face. God bless your family in this time of loss.
Bob Barham
Sunday, January 13, 2008
Mr. Coker was a fine man and will be greatly missed by all of his friends.
Jeff Cullum
Sunday, January 13, 2008
A fine man with impecable integrity, he will be greatly missed in my heart. Jeff Cullum
John & Gloria Harness
Sunday, January 13, 2008
We are so sorry for your loss. Ron had always had a smile for anybody and was a good man to know and miss him greatly. your in our prays.
Mike Jenny Pearrow
Sunday, January 13, 2008
We are so sorry for your for your loss and Mr. Coker was one in a millon, we all loved him and will miss him. my our prayers be with you all..
Tim & Christine Massey
Sunday, January 13, 2008
With our deepest sympathy for your loss, Ron was a great man and will be missed very much..
JIMMY & JO ANN BEGGS
Saturday, January 12, 2008
OUR PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU AND YOUR FAMILY JIMMY AND JO ANN BEGGS
janie lane
Saturday, January 12, 2008
we will always remember mr coker from the store he started giving tootsie rolls to my grandaughter before she was a year old she wouldnt let you go by the store without stopping.them tootsie rolls were like gold to a small child.he was a very sweet and loving man and will now receive his just reward in heaven.may peace be with all of you .
Joan & Norm West
Saturday, January 12, 2008
We hope for peace for all Ron's family. Our thoughts are with you all today. Love, Joan & Norm 10:30 Sat., 1/12
Christy Hammer
Saturday, January 12, 2008
Ron was a warm and compassionate man with a heart of gold. I will miss his smile and caring ways.
Jimmy and Sheila Horn
Saturday, January 12, 2008
We always enjoyed visits and being around Ron. He will be missed - you are in our thoughts and prayers. "There is a beginning and an end for everything that is alive; just remember that in between there was wonderful living".
kenneth moix
Saturday, January 12, 2008
Ron will be missed. He was a great man
Dwayne & Deanna Thomas Family
Saturday, January 12, 2008
Martha and Family, We are so sorry to read about Ron. He was truly a friend to all who he came in contact with. We have fond memories of him during the years at the store in Saltillo and of the many things he did to help me and my family. Your family is in our prayers during this difficult time.
Jimmy Horn Jr.
Friday, January 11, 2008
Ron will be missed by his family and his brothers and sisters in Christ. One gift, above all others God gives to us to treasure one that knows no time, no place and one gold cannot measure. The precious, poignant, tender gift of memory that will keep our dear ones ever in our hearts although God gives them sleep. It brings back long-remembered things a song, a word, a smile and our world's a better place because we had them for awhile!
Arch & Cindy Bradley
Friday, January 11, 2008
A very kind and gentle man.
Marshall Morris
Friday, January 11, 2008
Martha and family, so sorry to hear about Ron. I always enjoyed talking to him about the Lord. I know he will be greatlyl missed. You and your family will be in our prayers. Marshall & Jeanette Morris
Carrie Stacks
Friday, January 11, 2008
Ronna, I was so sorry to hear about your dad. I hope you know that all of us are here for you if you need anything at all. We love you and we're praying for you! Just think....he's probably living in the mansion next door to Mom! ;) I know that nothing I say can take away the pain that you're feeling. I've been where you are and I'm still there. Thank you so much for being there for us when we needed you. Mom loved you so much and you were so special to her. And, again...please don't hesitate to ask for anything at all.
Telela Grissom
Friday, January 11, 2008
Martha and Kids You are in my thoughts and prayers your family has always been an extention to ours. My kids have always loved Coker No one will ever fill the place in my heart that Ron held He was my friend, mentor, fatherfigure, strength when I was stumbling. Ron always had his mind and heart in today and what to look for tomorrow. He told me over and over to not show all your cards, spread your thoughts in various fields keep learning new things everyday. I hope he is finding some of the answers we had talked about over the bible and I know he looked up Adam as he always claimed he would. Love you always Telela
Stacey Livesay
Friday, January 11, 2008
Ronna and Family, I'm so so sorry for you to be going through this terrible loss. There's nothing I can say to take away any pain,so I've not called. Just know that I've been thinking about you all. God Bless -Stacey
Tommy Ray Vestal
Friday, January 11, 2008
I always thought the world of Ron Coker. I went to the store evry morning and we had many long talks He was a good friend who will be missed by many including me and my family!Ggod protect you all in your loss. You have our sympathy. Tommy and Gracie Vestal.
Rev. Jim Crawford
Friday, January 11, 2008
Ron, you will be missed,
Karen, Ray, Caleb
Friday, January 11, 2008
Ron was a wonderful person and will be missed dearly. Our thoughts and prayers are with each loved one left behind. May god bless you all.
steve gunter
Friday, January 11, 2008
Ron was fine a christian man to do business with and a quality human being to know.Ron never missed a chance to tell you about his lord and savior jesus christ,as he also would share his testimony.Ron seemed to be genuine and sincere about his love for the lord.I could also tell ron had a love for people and his family during our visits while conducting business.I didn't know ron as well as many people did, but it was obvious to me he was a pleasure to be around and a very kind man.I will truly miss doing business with ron and i will miss the conversations we had about our lord jesus christ but is comforting to know that ron is now with our lord to enjoy peace and happiness forever.My thoughts and prayers go out to martha and the family as i pray they will be comforted and given a peace that surpasses all understanding.I believe god had his guiding hand on ron's life and i pray he place his hand upon martha and family and guide them through this time of mourning and remembrance of ron.I can pay no greater compliment to ron but to simply say he was a soldier for christ whose mission was to see people come to know christ as their saviour.May god bless the family and legacy of ron coker.
Nicole Burton Spiller
Friday, January 11, 2008
Martha and Family, I am deeply saddened by your loss. Ron was a great man and will be missed by many. I can't help but remember how he always tried to make me happy during all those hours that I sat in the store with my dad while he talked to everyone. I just wanted to let you know that Ron touched my life and will always be remembered.
Tim George
Friday, January 11, 2008
I'm so sorry for your loss. Mr. Ron truly was a great man who loved people. I'm so very glad for the time I got to spend with him all those Thursday afternoons in the store. He sure taught me a lot about the grocery business, the stock market, and just life in general. He was always there to lend an ear if I had a problem or a helping hand if I needed it. God called home a wonderful person. I pray he helps you this difficult time. God bless you all.
scott and staphnie conway
Friday, January 11, 2008
DANIEL, WE ARE SO SORRY FOR THE LOSS OF YOUR FATHER. SCOTT AND STAPHNIE CONWAY
Doyle,Tamara &Ashley Moore
Friday, January 11, 2008
We are so sad to have lost such a wonderful person. We miss his smiling face at the store.Our hearts go out to all the family. God be with you all. Love Doyle, Tamara & Ashley
Marie Bryson-Sanders
Friday, January 11, 2008
With respect, I send my deepest condolences to the family of Ron Coker for the loss of their loved one. I pray that God will strengthen and comfort you during this time of sorrow. To his children – Kelly Jo, Jimmy, and Ronna Lea – you are in my thoughts and prayers, take care and God bless. Best Regards – Marie Bryson-Sanders
Jimmy, Hazel, Leigh and Mallory Horn
Friday, January 11, 2008
We are sorry to hear of Ron's sudden death. May God give you peace, comfort and strength during this difficult time and in the days to come.
Howard Hamlett Family
Friday, January 11, 2008
Dear Martha and family. we were greatly saddened by the news of Ron's passing. Ron was a great mentor of archery to me. He was also a great man. My kids will always remember our trips to Coker's because they knew Ron loved to see them. I hate it that we lost touch after he retired from the store. Martha you and your family will be in our prayers. WE LOVE YOU , Howard.
David and Diane Brooks
Friday, January 11, 2008
Martha and Family, We are so sorry for your loss. It is a loss for our whole community. I wish I had a penny for everytime I saw Ron with that big smile on his face, or for everytime he offered to help someone out when they may have needed it. Only God knows all the people whose loves were touched by you and Ron. We will truly miss this precious kind man. With Sincere Sympathy and Love.
Tammy Branch (Thompson)
Friday, January 11, 2008
Dear Ron held a very special place in my heart. Our loss is definitely God's gain. He will be missed by the staff of Pape's Inc. We shared Ron's joy of archery and enjoyed long talks together with many, many good laughs! He made my day so much better just to hear his voice. I will truly miss my friend. Martha, we love you and wish you the best in this difficult time.
Scott Gleason
Friday, January 11, 2008
Ron, I hope the fish are biting where you are, and I don't care what the doctors say, you had the biggest and strongest heart of any man I ever met. I am truly honored to have been called your friend! How wonderful the world was when you were in it, and I want you to know that all of us left here in the world will deeply miss your humor, kindness and wisdom. Simply put, you were the best.
Tom and Beverly Shirley
Friday, January 11, 2008
Our prayers are for you as we grieve with you. We'll miss Bro. Coker much more than we now know, but we rejoice that we will share him again on that day. God bless and console you.
Mike,Dixie & Dusty West
Friday, January 11, 2008
He was a great friend and neighbor, he will be missed. Our Prayers will be with you all.
Crissy Rye
Friday, January 11, 2008
Ron was a great man, and he will always be remebered that way. You all are in my thoughts and prayers. Crissy @ Rex Saddler Agency
Ruple Family
Friday, January 11, 2008
We are very sorry for your loss. Our thoughts are with you thru this difficult time. Gerald, Gelia, Jordan & Thomas
Kenny Harvey
Friday, January 11, 2008
Ron's homecoming will leave a great void to our community. He will be sorely missed by all the people and lives he touched. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family in their time of need. Kenny, Jacque & Cole Harvey
Brandy Cook-Dyer
Friday, January 11, 2008
My prayers are with the Coker family, in this time of sadness and grief. I've known Ron since I was a little girl, I was one of those children who he gave a handful of tootsie rolls to. I'll never forget my memories of him and he will be in my heart always. I am sad that he has passed, but I know that he is now rejoicing and walking hand in hand with our Lord.
Brian Cooper
Friday, January 11, 2008
Ron was a very special man who loved his God and served him with respect. I have no doubt that Ron is dancing around the streets of Gold awaiting our arrivals some sweet day. May God Bless each of you during this time of sorrow, however only weep for yourselves because Ron is where he has always strived to be. Ron is home. Brian Cooper
Mike Gajeski
Friday, January 11, 2008
Martha, Karen and I are deeply saddened by the loss of such a great person. We all know that he will be waiting at the pearley gates for us to get there and he will have found a good fishing spot for all of us. He was a great friend and I will miss his stories. Mike
Sturtz Family* Wanda, Ray, Angela,& Destinii
Thursday, January 10, 2008
We are very sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Laray Coker
Thursday, January 10, 2008
I want you to know that my prayers are with you! I'm sorry for your loss. I know how much you all loved him and how much he all loved you! Just know now he is with god where we will all see him again one day!
liz nicholson
Thursday, January 10, 2008
sorry for your loss my children all grew up with mr ron and his toostie rolls he will always be remembered by many my prayers are with you liz nicholson
wagner family
Thursday, January 10, 2008
We are soory for your loss. Mike, Christy, Kylee and Will