Jerry Lee Coker was born in Louisville, KY on June 27, 1953, and transitioned on Tuesday, July 24, 2018, in Coronado, California, where he worked.
Jerry was born and lived in Louisville, before heading west and settling in San Diego, CA. He worked as a civilian for the Department of Defense, Defense Logistics Agency, for nearly 40 years, where he received several accommodations and recognitions. His colleagues described him as an outstanding worker and helpful. Because of his strong work ethic, in addition to his normal duties, he was often requested to assist with preparing carriers for deployment.
Jerry also enjoyed being a DJ and planning parties. To his closest family and friends, he was also known as "Jer" "Smooth" and often referred to himself as "the Smoother." Jerry was a gentle, kind, giant, with an amazing sense of humor and often the life of the party. He always looked forward to the annual picnic he coordinated with his closest friends, who also became brothers. They were affectionately known as "The Family."
Jerry is survived by his parents, James and Shirley Coker; sister, Rhonda Edison; Cory Nelson; nephews, Jerry Edison, Gerald Edison, and Rashad Holloman; niece, ShaKenya Edison; aunts and uncles, Dorothy (Johnny), Alfred (Annette), and Joyce; first cousins, John, Keith, Cynthia, Tanya, Richard, Antoinette and Nashawn; a host of great-nephews/nieces, cousins, and his San Diego companion and friends/family. Jerry was preceded in death by his grandparents, Edward Tanner and Ollie Merrell; brother, Dwayne Coker; and first cousins, April Turner and Charles Turner, Jr.
Visitation will be Saturday, August 4, 2018, at Midwest Church of Christ, 2115 Garland, Louisville, KY, from 9am-11am with a celebration of Jerry's life beginning at 11am.
Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery, 1600 Newburg Rd, Louisville, KY 40205
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Jerry will be greatly missed.