Frank E. COGGIN Sr.

1927 - 2016

COGGIN, Sr., Frank E. If George Bailey (It's a Wonderful Life) had a living counterpart, it was Frank Edward Coggin, Sr. Born in Coweta County, Georgia on October 2, 1927, Frank loved swimming and fishing in the ponds while visiting the Coggin family farm in Madras. He recalled going to the Coweta County Courthouse on Saturdays with his grandfather, Will Coggin, who was a County Commissioner. He loved being in downtown Newnan watching the crowds on the sidewalk visiting and playing checkers, while listening to his grandfather discussing politics and the news of the day. Frank grew up in Hapeville, GA. He was an A student, an exceptional athlete and popular with his peers. He joined the Marine Corps right out of high school and served during World War II and the Korean conflict. In between the wars, Frank married Billie Carolyn Smarr of Hapeville, started a family, and attended Oglethorpe College on a baseball scholarship and then the University of Georgia's Atlanta campus. Frank attended Woodrow Wilson Law School graduating Magna Cum Laude. Frank won election to the Hapeville City Council in January 1956 and became Mayor of Hapeville in 1964. Frank went onto become a Georgia State Senator and ultimately served as the Senate Floor Leader for Governors Jimmy Carter and Lester Maddox all while maintaining a successful law practice which he would do for more than 50 years. But Frank's life was not defined by these accomplishments. Frank's life was best defined by the things he loved. He loved his wife Billie most of all. He loved his country and being from the South. He loved the Marine Corps and all that it represents. He loved the University of Georgia and spending Fall Saturdays in Athens watching the Dawgs play. He loved being with his family and grilling them Saturday night steaks. He loved chocolate candy and always had a box of Hershey's or Reese's nearby. And there was a special place in his heart for kids and dogs. Frank Edward Coggin, Sr. died on March 10, 2016. Frank had a wonderful life and will be dearly missed by his family and friends. Frank is survived by his wife Billie Smarr Coggin; children Victoria Coggin Palmer (Bruce) and Frank Edward Coggin, Jr. (Julie); three grandchildren, John Richard (Rick) Palmer, Amy Palmer Riggleman and Anna Palmer Banks; seven great-grandchildren and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Joseph Terrell Coggin, Sr. and Hattie Rooks Coggin; his brothers Joseph Terrell Coggin, Jr. and Patrick Howard Coggin, Sr.; and sister Mary Ann Coggin Parham. Visitation is March 15, 2016 from 5:00 pm until 8:00 pm at Donehoo-Lewis Funeral Home in Hapeville, GA. The funeral Service is at 2:00 p.m. March 16, 2016 at Hapeville First United Methodist Church, 3510 Atlanta Avenue, Hapeville, GA 30354, with remains placed in state at 1:00 p.m. Interment will follow at College Park Cemetery.