Bonnie Joe Coker

On the evening of June 9, Bonnie Joe (B.J.) Coker took his last breath on earth to draw his first breath in that glorious place he had thought and dreamed of and longed to be—Heaven.  Born on December 15, 1936, he was the only child of Bonnie Houston and Ellie Duncan Coker.   Always encouraging to others with his smiles and positive attitude, he is known for his famous quote, “Stay on the plus side.”  He had worked at Suggs Pottery, Monroe Trousers, Scribner Equipment, briefly in the bentonite mines, but he retired from True Temper Sports after 27 years.  In December 1962, he married the former Janie Perkins and together they raised three children.  He was a member of Smithville Methodist Church.  

Funeral services will be at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, June 12, 2024 at Cleveland-Moffett Funeral Home.  Burial will be in the Young Memorial Gardens.  

In addition to his wife, Janie Coker, he is survived by two daughters, Sherry Maharrey (Donald) of Aberdeen and Patty Gosa (Bobby) of Amory; son, Tim Coker (Allison) of Smithville; bonus son, Keith Towery (Lisa) of Smithville; grandchildren, Josh Gosa (Olivia), Elizabeth Bean (Reece), Jennifer Owens (Robby), Ethan Bean (Kayla), Sarah Grace Gosa (D.J.), Claire and Jessi Coker, Larry Rucker (Angel), Sarah King (Jay); and great grandchildren, Ezra and Noah Jane Gosa, Bryson Owens, Seavey Bean, Kolton Galloway, Ellie James, and Evie and Maddy King.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Visitation will be on Wednesday from 2 p.m. until the service hour at the funeral home.

Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Condolences may be shared with the family at clevelandmoffettfuneralhome.com.