Joseph Ray Coble

Joseph Ray Coble

May 16, 1946 - December 15, 2025

Joseph was born to Bill (Barney) & lla Coble in Greensboro, NC. He leaves behind his wife, Linda, stepson, Jon Grace (Rebecca), grandchildren, Eva & Finn, his sister Carol and brother Gary (Hope), nieces, nephews, and many loved and valued friends.

Joe did his undergraduate work at the University of North Carolina and his doctorate in bio-psychology at Florida State University.

He was a professor in the psychology department at Clark Atlanta University for forty-nine years.

Joe was an avid sports fan, especially NC Tar Heels, FSU Seminoles, and NHL Carolina Hurricanes. While Joe was in graduate school, he crewed in sailboat races and, as the years passed, he was in bowling leagues & played a lot of golf.

He enjoyed sharing his love of books with family and friends and was a gifted writer when the occasion called for it. Joe was renowned for his peanut brittle which he made for family and friends, his church, first responders, and soldiers at home and abroad

Throughout his life, Joe was Pa to a number of cats. He usually had one, sometimes two, in his lap, on the back of his chair, or napping with him.

Watching Joe with his entire family was a lesson in love, whether they were watching sports, putting together a jigsaw puzzle, hanging out at the lake, sharing joy, or struggling through the deep sorrows of life.

He looked forward with great anticipation to the Jazz Festival at Emory each year. He delighted in jazz vespers at the church and attending other concerts and social activities with friends.

Joe was involved in Via de Cristo for many years.

He dearly loved Rock of Ages Lutheran Church and served there in many capacities. He was council president, served on committees, was in the choir and played hand bells. He made many sandwiches each week for the church's hunger ministry as long as his health allowed. Most recently, he loved and looked forward to facilitating the live-stream services at Rock of Ages. He will be missed.