Raymond Johnson (R.J.) Coker Jr.

Raymond Johnson (R.J.) Coker Jr., age 96, of Knoxville, passed away peacefully at home on October 13. Preceded in death by R.J. Coker, Sr. and Ona Harrison Coker, R.J. was a 1945 graduate of Knoxville High School and 1952 graduate of U.T. with a degree in Industrial Engineering. During that time, he married Lynn Rose Stansberry, his wife of almost 74 years. After graduating from UT, he served in the U.S Army as a radio instructor from 1953 to 1955. After returning from the military, he joined the family business as CEO and President of R.J. Coker Company until 1993, a company founded by his father, R.J. Sr., in 1928, which installed large sound systems for Knoxville and East TN area schools and churches, most notably Neyland Stadium, Stokely Athletic Center and McGhee Tyson airport. One of his proudest accomplishments was installing sound equipment for the Billy Graham Crusade at Neyland Stadium in the 1970s and other Graham tour locations. R.J. and wife, Lynn Rose, became real estate brokers together for many years and enjoyed serving the Knoxville real estate community. They also enjoyed delivering Mobile Meals in the community for several years. In 2012, he was honored and flown with other military veterans by Honor Air from Knoxville to be honored in Washington, D.C. He never stopped talking about it. R.J. Coker was a former member of Bible Study Fellowship (BSF), Knoxville Board of Realtors, Smoky Land Barbershop Chorus, and former president of Northshore Village Homeowners Association. R.J was an avid amateur Ham Radio Operator for over 50 years. In the Ham Radio community, his legacy lives on as a Silent Key. Presently, he served on the Board of Directors of the Knoxville Quarterback Club, where he was a Vol for Life. R.J was a long-time member of First Baptist Church. Survivors include wife, Lynn Rose Coker, Dr. Curtis Campbell (daughter), Keith Campbell (son-in-law), Raymond Johnson (Chip) Coker III (son), grandchildren Lyndy Clementson (Justin) and Blair Patterson, great-grandson Crew Clementson, and step-granddaughter Kaitlin Campbell McClendon (Tucker). If desired, memorials may be made to InterFaith Health Center, 315 Gill Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37917, or charity of choice. Online condolences may be made at www.RoseFuneraltn.com.

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Raymond Johnson (R.J.) Coker Jr.

October 13, 2024