Obituary of William Henry Coles

William H. Coles, Jr., also known as June Bug, was born in Union Town, Pennsylvania on December 15, 1938. Bill's mother Virgil Coles raised him as a single mother. Virgil was a vivacious woman who raised Bill to be dignified and decisive. Virgil also fostered Bill's appreciation for home cooking, laughter and good barbecue. Bill went to German Township High School in McClelland, PA. After high school he moved to Brooklyn, New York to seek employment and eventually became a successful truck driver for over thirty-two years. Bill was a professional man of integrity —a friend and confidant to his colleagues. About thirty years ago, Hattie invited Bill to her hometown Columbia, South Carolina to investigate her family's newfound religion, the Jehovah's Witnesses. After many discussions, Bill came back with a positive report and felt that he found the truth. He said that the next time a witness arrived at their door, he would let them in. Bill made it possible for everyone in his family to have a bible study and therefore learn Jehovah God's word. He dedicated his life to Jehovah and served as a congregation elder up to his death. He encouraged and built up many friends. Several young brothers looked up to Bill as a mentor and trusted advisor. Bill started everyday with a light sweet cup of coffee. His favorite pastimes included watching the Steelers, tending to the yard, dancing, collecting miniature cars and purchasing t-shirts from his favorite destinations. Bill was a loving husband and father. He and his wife Hattie loved to travel and document their excursions. A few of their favorite destinations were Hawaii, California, and various Caribbean islands. Bill was known for his amicable spirit, friendly personality and hearty laugh. A man of excellent character, Bill and his wife always made themselves available to help family and friends. Bill was the type of father who used his spare time to bring a smile to the faces of his children and grandchildren. When his son and daughter were kids, he took them to the playground in Coney Island. He lovingly nicknamed his daughter Nancy, Snuckums and designated special daddy daughter time. One of her favorite memories was a dance they shared at a friend's wedding. Bill made sure that he spent quality time with his son Bill Jr. Much of their core bonding happened while watching an exciting basketball game and sharing a few healthy slices of pound cake. Bill taught all of his children how to drive when they were of age. One memory that his son Ricky has is of learning the ropes in New York City. Ricky learned to drive a car for the first time on city roads. That's just one example of the confidence that Bill instilled in his children. He guided them and offered a stabilizing force that ushered them into adulthood. Surviving are his wife Hattie Coles; son, William H. Coles III (Joyce); daughter, Nancy L. Kosydar (Michael); son, Ricky Fouche Wilson, Sr. (Edna); grandchildren, Rekia M. Parker, Nadia D. McArthur, Ricky Fouche Wilson, Jr., and Bianca G. Weiss; Sisters Evelyn, Sandy, Mable, Deloris, Pattie and brothers Bobby and June Bug and a host of other loving relatives and family friends.