Preston Alexander "Sam" Coiner

Preston "Sam" Alexander Coiner

Preston "Sam" Alexander Coiner, 72, of Charlottesville, died on Monday, September 10, unexpectedly, in Charlottesville.

He was born on April 8, 1940, in Charlottesville, the son of the late Samuel Allen Coiner and Ethel Skinner Coiner. He was also preceded in death by three brothers, Thomas Curtis Coiner, Jimmie Rogers Coiner, and Richard Wallace Coiner.

He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Julie Meredith Coiner; two daughters, Catherine Coiner Crittenden of Charlottesville and Sharon Coiner Lucas of Baltimore, Maryland; a son-in-law, David Lucas; two grandchildren, Jakob Alexander Lucas and Julianna Josephine Lucas; eleven nieces and nephews, Susan, Michael, Karen, Debra, Jimmie, Lisa, Roger, Joey, Adam, Anna-Bess, and Ashley; and numerous great- and great-great-nieces and nephews. Preston was a proud lifelong resident of Charlottesville, a member of the Belmont Boys, and a graduate of Clark Elementary School and Lane High School. He was a partner in the family business of Coiners' Scrap Iron and Metal, until his retirement from the business in 2008. His retirement left him with more time to pursue his interest in historic preservation, both through his two tenures on the Charlottesville Board of Architectural Review and his partnership with his nephew Michael Coiner in buying and restoring historic and residential properties.

Preston was from a very young age actively involved in his community, both personally and through various organizations, including, but certainly not limited to, the Albemarle Charlottesville Historical Society, First United Methodist Church, and, most recently, Celebrate 250. His hobbies and interests were as varied as his vocational and civic pursuits. As a young man, he was a member of a bowling league. He was an avid collector, adding to his household, over the years, among other items, historic Charlottesville memorabilia, a flock of duck decoys, a fleet of toy trains, and countless Santa figures of all sizes. He was also an accomplished woodworker, and the homes of his family members and numerous friends and associates are decorated with his furniture and cutting boards. A larger than life figure, charitable, generous in spirit, and an expert on most things! We will all miss his advice (both solicited and unsolicited)! Preston was a well-known and admired member of his community. If you were ever lost in Charlottesville, he was the guy that put his hand on your shoulder and showed you the way. We are sorry if you never had a chance to meet Preston, but we hope that you hug the "Preston" in your life, as it is fleeting. While we are feeling the heart-breaking pain of the loss, we recognize that it is born out of the deep love that we have for Preston/Sam/Daddy/Granddaddy! Keep us all in your hearts and prayers. We are gratified at the outpouring of love and tributes already published online and in the newspaper and broadcast on the radio. We hope you all continue to share your memories and stories of Preston.

The family will receive visitors from 6 until 8 p.m. Thursday, September 13, 2012, at Hill and Wood Funeral Home.

There will be a graveside service at Monticello Memory Gardens, 1:30 p.m. Friday, September 14, 2012, with a memorial service to follow at First United Methodist Church at 3 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, we ask that you make donations in Preston's name to the Charlottesville Community Scholarship Program, P.O. Box 1221, Charlottesville, Virginia 22902.


This obituary was originally published in the Daily Progress.