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Leroy Coggins Obituary
July 29, 1932 - December 30, 2013
Cary
Leroy Coggins, 81, of Cary, N.C., passed away Monday, December 30, 2013.
He was born to the late Frank Coggins and Edna Coggins, July 29, 1932, in Thomasville, N.C. Leroy graduated from Fair Grove High and received a BS in Dairy Sciences from North Carolina State University, a DVM from Oklahoma State University and a PhD in Virology from Cornell University. He was married to Betty York in 1956.
Leroy served in the U.S. Army in 1959, working on infectious disease research. In 1963 he began five years of work in Kenya with the U.S. Department of Agriculture on the African Swine Fever virus.
He returned to Cornell University in 1968 as a faculty member to work on the equine infectious anemia (EIA) virus. During this time he developed the "Coggins Test" which became the official U.S. Department of Agriculture test for EIA in 1973 and provided the equine industry and veterinary medicine with an important tool to control EIA.
In 1980, Leroy was appointed department head for the North Carolina State University School of Veterinary Medicine. He retired in 1994.
He is survived by his wife, Betty, and their five children: Dwain Coggins of Saratoga, CA.; Brenda Newman of Cary, NC; Linda Jones of Ware Shoals, SC; Ken Coggins of Cary, NC; Bill Coggins of Holly Springs, NC. He is also survived by eleven loving grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held Thursday, January 2, 2014 at 4:00 P.M. at Greenwood Forest Baptist Church in Cary. A time of visitation will follow the service.
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Memories and Condolences
for Leroy Coggins
Laurence and Margaret Gleeson
January 12, 2014
Likewise a graduate student under Leroy's supervision in the late 1970's. The Coggin's family were very kind to a young Australian with wife and 2 small children and Leroy a supportive and always gracious mentor - a true gentleman. His input stood me in good stead throughout my career. I also was really chuffed when he and Betty visited us in Oz on his retirement. Margaret and I would like to extend sincere condolences to Betty and the family on their loss.
Colin and Anne Wilks
January 9, 2014
I was fortunate to have been a PhD student supervised by Leroy at Cornell in the mid 70s. I appreciated his warm support both scientifically and personally and it was a delight for me to have him and Betty come visit 'down under' after he retired. Anne and I send our sincere condolences to Betty and the family.
January 3, 2014
My thoughts are with Dr. Coggins' family and friends. I only knew him as one of the many students at NCSU-CVM but found him to always be very kind and encouraging to those of us that looked up to him.
Ann Stuart, DVM
Barnardsville NC
Don and Mary Howard
January 3, 2014
I was very saddened to learn of Leroys passing. He to me was a very talented colleague and well remembered by all of the initiating team of the CVM. He brought to the table constructive perspective that is still apparent in the most successful endeavors of the faculty and student body. Mary Lynn and I pass our deepest sympathy on to the Coggins family and will remember all he has contributed to our profession. Don and Mary Howard
Peter Timoney
January 3, 2014
To those fortunate to have known him, Leroy Coggins was a wonderful friend, an exemplary member of the veterinary profession and notwithstanding the significance of his scientific achievements,one of the most self-effacing researchers I have known. In a lighter vein,he was also a "mean" tennis player!
David Linzey, DVM
January 3, 2014
I began my veterinary career working as a lab tech at NCSU-CVM in the MPP department at the time that Dr. Coggins was the department head. I consider myself fortunate and honored to have known and admired him. I am equally grateful that a veterinarian of his stature chose NC State as the place to share his leadership and expertise. A great man and a great ambassador for our profession - he will be missed.
January 3, 2014
I was fortunate to work directly with Dr Coggins in my 4th year at NCSU-CVM on an epidemiology project involving EIA. His contribution to the horse world is undeniably a huge global accomplishment. What was a common equine disease is now a rarity because of his work. I am grateful to have known him. He will be missed by the veterinary & equine communities.
Abigail Hollowell
Tracey Ritzman, DVM
January 3, 2014
I was very fortunate to have known and worked for Dr. Coggins at the NCSU-CVM in his research laboratory in the early 90's. Dr. Coggins gave me my first job there at the vet school prior starting veterinary school. He was a wonderful mentor and taught me so much about research and science and medicine. I will always have fond memories of my time spent working in his lab and feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to learn from him.
I hope his memory and legacy continues to live on there at the NCSU College of Veterinary Medicine.
Claire Mannella
January 3, 2014
I never me Dr. Coggins, but of course, as a veterinarian, I was aware of the Coggins test. What a contribution he made to the veterinary profession, and to animal health globally. Truly an amazing accomplishment in a lifetime. My sympathies to the family. May good memories sustain you through this difficult time.
Kady Gjessing
January 3, 2014
Dr. Coggins will always be in my thoughts. I first met him at the Cornell Faculty Tennis Club, where he was an avid doubles player. He was always so friendly and had such a warm personality. It was through his encouraging that I made the move to NC to persue my dream of becoming a veterinarian. As student, he would always ask me how I was doing and of course, we would still discuss tennis!
Dr. Coggins was the epitome of a great man. The veterinary profession has lost an icon.
Maureen "Mo" Trogdon
January 3, 2014
Though never having worked with horses when I began working as a tech at NCSU CVM, I had heard of the "Coggins Test". I remember my surprise when I finally realized that the very kind, smiling, unassuming gentleman named Dr.Coggins was "The" Coggins. What a truly great man in so many ways. May knowing your loss is felt by so many, provide some small solace
Becky McConnico
January 2, 2014
As has already been shared by others - it was a true privilege and honor to have known and worked with Dr. Coggins. His contributions to the veterinary profession and especially the well-being of horses world wide lives on. Thank you Dr. Coggins.
January 2, 2014
It is truly a blessing Leroy lived a long life. I know he will forever live on in the hearts of all that he has touched. May God comfort you and give you peace.
January 2, 2014
Dr. Coggins was the first Department Head I met upon my employment at the College of Veterinary Medicine. He always displayed a genuine respect and mutual hospitality towards all staff. His scientific contributions are lasting and a legacy for all.
January 2, 2014
We keep many fond memories close to our hearts of good times with Betty and Leroy. Our thoughts and prayers to Betty and the family. Keep precious memories in your hearts and Leroy will be close to you always. Love, Sammy and Nida Giddens
Gregory Lewbart
January 2, 2014
The veterinary profession has lost one of its great leaders and pioneers. I will never forget meeting Dr. Coggins and it was my honor and privilege to have worked at the NCSU-CVM with him.
My condolences to his family and loved ones.
Greg Lewbart
Dr. Stephanie Dowell
January 1, 2014
My deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Dr. Coggins. His contributions to veterinary medicine were great and he will be missed not only personally but professionally as well. My condolences.
Randy Jones
January 1, 2014
Dr. Coggins was a great leader and scientist. He made significant contributions to the new College of Veterinary Medicine and is a part of the huge success that it has become. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Kim Beegle
January 1, 2014
A wonderful person, a great veterinarian, and an unforgettable mentor.
Marlene Nickell
January 1, 2014
My deepest sympathy to all the family. One of Mr Coggins many talents was persistence. He was always searching for a better way to do, or better yet, improve things. Humble and kind man. I feel honored that I have met him and his wife, Betty and become aware of his many accomplishments in life.
Terry Blankenship
January 1, 2014
He will be fondly remembered personally and be remember in awe professionally.
Dr. Russell Tate
January 1, 2014
My condolences to all the family at the loss of a leader and family man.
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