Obituary, Death Tragic Loss of Nathaniel Coker, 22, Monteagle Fire Department Firefighter and Devoted Family Man
Nathaniel Coker, a brave and selfless firefighter with the Monteagle Fire Department, passed away on Wednesday, May 8, 2024, at the age of 22, surrounded by his loving family at Erlanger Medical Center in Chattanooga. His untimely death has left a void in the lives of his family, friends, and the community he served.
Nathaniel’s journey began on July 8, 2001, in Chattanooga, where he was born to Thomas “Tommy” Coker and Ruby Coker, who both passed away before his birth. Despite the challenges he faced, Nathaniel grew into a compassionate and adventurous individual who dedicated his life to helping others.
For the past four years, Nathaniel served as a firefighter with both the Monteagle Fire Department and the Pelham Fire Department, where he had previously been a Junior Fireman in 2016. His passion for helping others was evident in his work, and he was respected by his colleagues for his bravery and selflessness.
In addition to his work as a firefighter, Nathaniel was an auto diesel mechanic technician at Southern Tire Mart for the past two years. His love for repairing and fixing things was evident in his work, and he took great pride in his ability to fix anything that was broken.
Nathaniel’s love for the outdoors was evident in his enjoyment of hunting, muddin, and fishing. He cherished the time he spent with his family and friends, and his kind and compassionate personality made him a beloved member of his community.
Nathaniel is survived by his loving mother, Ruby Coker; his fiancé, Leya Gates; his children, Bryson Coker, and soon-to-be, Weston Thomas Coker; his siblings, Thomas (Caroline) Coker, Brittany (Tim) Farrar, John (Amy) Barnett, David (Rachel) Barnett, and MaKayla Hall; and his family at Monteagle Fire Department and Southern Tire Mart.
His family and friends will deeply miss Nathaniel’s presence, but they take comfort in the knowledge that his legacy will endure. His selfless act of donating his organs to help others will continue to inspire others to follow in his footsteps.
Visitation will be held from 12-2 pm on Monday, May 13, 2024, at Moore-Cortner Funeral Home, followed by funeral services at 2:00 pm in the Chapel of Moore-Cortner Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Franklin Memorial Gardens, where his fellow firefighters and family will lay him to rest.
In conclusion, Nathaniel Coker’s tragic passing serves as a reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing every moment. His legacy will continue to inspire others to pursue their passions with purpose and make a positive difference in the world. We will miss him dearly, but we take comfort in the knowledge that his memory will live on in our hearts.
