Fitz Lee Howard Coker

1935 - 2025

Fitz Lee Howard Coker

October 3, 1935 - July 14, 2025

Fitz Lee Howard Coker, 89, passed peacefully at his home in Bozeman, MT, on July 14, 2025, with his family in attendance.

Fitz was born in Hartsville, SC, on October 3, 1935, to the late Charles Westfield Coker and the late Elizabeth Howard Coker. He is survived by his five children, Gertrude Wardlaw Coker, Elizabeth Howard Coker, Edna Raine Coker, Charlotte Westfield Coker, and Fitz Lee Howard Coker; his five grandchildren, Albert E. Singleton III, Gabriela Olavarrieta, Emilia R. Olavarrieta, Daniel Olavarrieta, and Hannah Raine Shimmin; and two great-grandchildren, Oliver and Charlotte Shimmin.

Fitz attended Woodberry Forest and graduated from Princeton University with a degree in Civil Engineering. He participated in various clubs and sports, including wrestling and football. He was an avid athlete and outdoorsman all of his life.

Fitz worked at Sonoco Products Company from 1960-1979 and led the international department. He traveled widely and promoted Sonoco's business in many countries.

He then branched out into real estate development and designing and renovating many beautiful homes for his family. He moved to Key West, FL, where he could pursue his passion for saltwater fly fishing and became one of the top Tarpon fishermen in the world. Fitz was featured in various books, videos, and television programs on fishing. He was in product testing and development with Simms Fishing Products. He also invented many Tarpon fly patterns and proved the worth of many knots and rigging techniques that changed the sport, but he never sought credit for doing so.

Fitz also had a home in Bozeman, MT, and enjoyed fishing and many outdoor activities there.

Fitz traveled the world fishing and for pleasure. He also loved his cats, dogs, and squirrels. He enjoyed bird hunting, downhill skiing, gardening, was an avid reader, a fine cook, a skillful and artistic photographer, and art enthusiast.

Fitz was engage in many environmental protection organizations and was very active in the local fly fishing community in Key West, and he supported the Lower Keys Guide Association. He established the 'Thoroughfare Fund' to support many important environmental and other groups.

Fitz was a Southern Gentleman but also adventurous, fun-loving, independent, doing things his own creative way, and being straightforward about who he was. He led a rich and active life, had a great sense of humor, inspired many people, and was deeply loved.

The family is very grateful for the many special caregivers in Fitz's life, notably Jessica Penney, Jillian Price, Robb Goodall, and the wonderful hospice team in Bozeman.

Fitz was cremated, and his ashes will be spread by his children in the places he loved.