Obituary: Richard Coger

Richard Lee Coger, 95, of Huntsville; passed away Sunday, September 15, 2024, at Countryside Assisted Living. He was born Saturday, May 11, 1929, at Huntsville; to Arlis Leverette and Jessie Lucille Hawkins Coger.

Richard married Carolyn Sue Whiddon on Monday, September 28, 1953 at Huntsville; and together they were parents to five children. He proudly served his country as a member of the United States Army and was a member of the Huntsville Methodist Church. He was a retail merchant, co-owning several stores, including founding Huntsville Lumber with his brother Kay in 1955, and later establishing Richard’s Furniture with his wife Sue in the 1960s. Richard and Sue shared a deep love for traveling, with Las Vegas being one of their favorite destinations. They were also well known for their hospitality, especially during their annual 4th of July celebration, which became a cherished tradition, drawing friends and neighbors together year after year.

Richard was preceded in death by his wife, Sue Coger; three sons, Richard Coger, II; Dickie Lee Coger, and Jerry Bill Coger; his parents, Arlis and Jessie Coger; and one sister, Carol Spurlock. He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Randy and Bettinna Coger; and his daughter and son-in-law, Janet Coger and Jamie Sparks, all of Huntsville. Richard is also survived by his two brothers and sister-in-law, Kay Coger, and Charles and Lois Jean Coger; and one sister, Doris Ann Kisor; nine grandchildren, Richard Lee Coger III, Thomas Coger, Patrick Coger, Richard and Samantha Sparks, Cody Coger, Sherry and Tyler Baldwin, Kerry and Johnny Robinson, Emily Coger, and Jesse Coger; and four great-grandchildren, Suzette Baldwin, Harper Coger, Hazelee Coger, and Hudson Coger.

Graveside services will be 10 a.m., Thursday, September 19, 2024, at Huntsville Cemetery with Ryan Bachuss officiating. Pallbearers will be Tyler Baldwin, Richard Coger III, Thomas Coger, Patrick Coger, John Robinson, and Cody Coger. Honorary pallbearers will be Richard Sparks, Bill Smith, Ed Creek, Jack Combs, and Winford Phillips. Services are entrusted to Brashears Funeral Home and Crematory of Huntsville.

Source: The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette