William. H. "Bud" Coley

William H. “Bud” Coley, Sr, 87, passed away on Saturday, May 3, 2025, in his home surrounded by his wife and children. Bud was born and reared in Gallatin, Tennessee.

He graduated from Gallatin High School in the class of 1956 and then joined the United States Marine Corps. He was stationed in Hawaii and played football for the Marine Corps while enlisted. Bud attended APSU and played football all 4 years earning many awards including Honorable Mention Little All American, Outstanding Lineman, and Most Valuable Senior Athlete. He married Mary Lynn Dodson on August 10, 1962. He owned Coley & Lyles Insurance Agency for many years. Giving back to his community, Bud was President of the Lions Club, Gallatin Chamber of Commerce, Gallatin Quarterback Club, Chairman of Industrial Development Board, Chairman of Board of Christian Towers & The Manor, and numerous other civic groups. He was selfless with his time and gifts and continually gave back to others without hesitation and humbly. Bud knew life was meant to be lived. He found joy in his family and friends. He enjoyed trips to The Greenbrier with his family and golfing with his buddies. He was an APSU football season ticket holder for 60+ years and faithful supporter of the athletic program.

Bud’s heart was God first. He was a faithful member of Hartsville Pike Church of Christ serving many years in the benevolent ministry.

Bud was preceded in death by his parents Herschel Coley and Dora Coley; his sisters, Betty Coley Neal, Nancy Marie Chambers and Dora Ann Brandow.

He is survived by his loving wife Mary Lynn Coley; sons David (Lisa) Coley and Chad (Liz) Coley; daughter Kelly Coley; grandchildren Megan Coley, Anna (Ian) Draper, Ella (Sean) Reding, Caleb Coley, Joshua Coley, Caroline Coley, and Maggie Claire Coley; 6 great grandchildren Mia, Olivia, Piper, Hadley, Coley, and Tucker.

The funeral service will be 4:00 pm Tuesday, May 6, 2025, at Hartsville Pike Church of Christ. Visitation will be from 1:00-4:00pm prior to the service at the church.

Pallbearers will be Bo Bowling, Eddie Mayberry, Robert Parker, Bob Lannom, Kevin Gregory, and Scott Carter. Honorary pallbearers will be Richard Martin, Johnny Wilson, Ott Gregory, Bob Haley, Bob Phillips, APSU Friends, Hartsville Pike Church of Christ Elders & Deacons, American Legion Representatives.

In lieu of flowers, each time you do a random act of kindness think of Bud. “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God has forgiven you.” Eph 4:32

Arrangements entrusted to Alexander Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 584 Nashville Pike, Gallatin, Tennessee.  (615) 502 0011