Christopher Alan Coley

Christopher Alan Coley passed away in Minneapolis, MN on October 12, 2022, surrounded by his family. He was born on October 26, 1961, to the union of the late Johnny Lee and Jean Harlow Coley.
Chris was a proud Elkhart, Indiana native. He graduated from Elkhart Central High School in the class of 1980 and went on to study Marketing at the University of Maryland. Chris decided that he wanted to see the world and in January of 1984 he joined the United States Army. While serving his country, Chris's athletic abilities placed him on the US Army Football team. From there Chris played Semi-Professional Football for 12 seasons. His football adventures placed him on five different team throughout Amsterdam, Italy, Spain, Germany, and England. After sustaining a career ending injury, Chris was Honorably Discharged from the US Army in 1992.
Chris did not allow his injuries to hold him down. He reinvented himself as a professional photographer and videographer. He joined his brother Tylor working at NBC Sports as a cameraman. They loved shooting games together and met so many interesting people. Chris is credited with catching some of the most exciting sports moments of his time. Including the fatal crash of NASCAR's Dale Earnhardt Sr. in 2001. Chris retired from NBC Sports in 2010 and started his own freelance television production company. He used his photography skills to travel and hold interviews with some of the most interesting people. He would take photos and make videos for bands, weddings, charity events, sporting events and private parties.
Chris had a passion and extensive knowledge of sports. That passion led him to purchase his own Team with the Minor League Professional American Basketball Association, now known as Naptown Pros. He served as Owner, President, and Head Coach. Chris had a talent for recognizing raw talent and a knack for developing player skills. He was dedicated to the progress of the league both local and on a national level. His claim to fame was the mentorship that he gave to his players, fellow coaches, and other owners. Chris genuinely cared about the wellbeing of everyone associated with the team.
That caring spirit overlapped in Chris's everyday persona. He was a quiet storm. He was the one person that checked on family and those he considered his friends. On top of everything, Chris stayed active and contributed positively to the communities where he lived. He served as Past President to the Elkhart Chapter of the Indiana Black Expo. He volunteered for many local charities without ever advertising his involvement. Chris was also an avid storyteller. He loved his family and enjoyed sharing details and memories of family adventures both real and legend. Chris has family ties the Barnes, Jacksons, Ulis, Scotts and many more that Chris would not hesitate to elaborate on.
Preceding Chris in death were his parents and his son Xavier Coley. Chris is survived by the pride of his life, his daughter Chalon Tyneice Coley of Saint Paul, MN; a set of twins, Michelle and Kevin Haberroth of Schwäbisch Hall, Germany; his brother Tylor Coley of Minneapolis, MN; nieces Chase, Kendall and Cade Coley of Minneapolis, MN, and a nephew Khaysen Coley also of Minneapolis, MN.; two aunts, Joan Murkey from Chicago, Illinois, and Linda (Clifton) Turner from Flint, Michigan. Also devastated by Chris's passing are the many cousins that also called him brother and the people that he called his friend.
All are invited to attend a Memorial Service in celebration of Chris and his amazing life.
November 5, 2022, at 10:00am
Hosted by Agape Missionary Baptist Church (248 W Wolf Ave., Elkhart, IN 46516)
Officiating will be the Rev. Juard Barnes
Immediately following, Chris will be interned at Prairie Street Cemetery with a Repast gathering at the Village Empowerment Center located at 215 E. Indiana Ave., Elkhart, IN 46516.
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