Bobby Joe Coley

Dateline: Lancaster, SC BOBBY JOE COLEY December 23, 1932 - December 7, 2020 Bobby (Bob) Coley was born on December 23, 1933 in Burnsville, North Carolina, the son of the late Lee and Odie Coley. He is also preceded in death by a sister, Peggy Coley Yandle, and brother-in-law Bill. Growing up working on the family's farm, Bob was no stranger to hard work and tough times. He left the family farm in New Salem, NC, to attend Wake Forest University. From a young age, he witnessed the economic difficulties in his community and understood the power of education to bring about a positive change. He was the first in his family to attend college. Bob began his career with United Artist Studios in California, where he worked for 38 years. Throughout his life, Bob sought to support Wake Forest University He is survived by a sister, Margaret Eloise (J.M.) Little of Lancaster, Jack Coley (Martha, deceased) of New Salem, NC, Max Coley (Marcella), of Boone, NC, and many nieces and nephews. Bob enjoyed nature, western movies, and flower gardening. He took pride in the fact that he knew John Wayne, along with many other movie stars, during the VCR era. In the last several years, though his mobility was compromised after being confined to an assisted living facility. He was a true southern gentleman. There will be a private burial service on Thursday, December 10, 2020, at Monroe City Cemetery in Monroe, North Carolina. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that a contribution be made to charity of one’s choice.