Bobby Gene Coggins

Dr. Bobby Gene Coggins, age 78, departed this earthly life December 8, 2016 after a long courageous battle with bile duct cancer. Born in Star, NC, the son of the late Esther Mae Coggins and the late James Wallace Coggins . He graduated from Albemarle High School in 1956 and then attended Presbyterian Junior College. He played professional baseball for the Kansas City Athletics from 1959-1962, was a Charlotte Police Officer from 1962 to 1967. He received his BS degree in Education from Pembroke State College in 1967. He received his Masters of Education in 1969. In 1971 he graduated from The University of New Mexico with his Ph.D in Curriculum and Instruction. Dr. Coggins immediately went to Central Piedmont Community College where he was head of the Criminal Justice Program and taught for 28 years. He was instrumental in developing the Criminal Justice Program at CPCC for Charlotte area uniformed officers and Basic Law Enforcement Program. He authored an instruction manual for Personal Private Protective Services in North Carolina and wrote his own text book for Introduction to Criminal Justice. His outstanding contribution to the advancement of law enforcement training in Mecklenburg County was felt by not only his students, but by those citizens that were protected.

He was a veteran of the United State Army, where he received recognition as an Expert Marksman .

Dr. Coggins was a long standing member of Excelsior Masonic Lodge No. 261. For hobbies, Bobby was an avid and accomplished golfer, gunsmith, carpenter, welder and machinist. After retirement from CPCC, to keep himself busy, he worked for Ryan Homes as a punch carpenter. This earth has lost a tender, loving person who was gracious and kind to everyone , a gentleman and scholar in every way.

Survivors include his loving wife Suzanne Coggins of Fort Mill, SC, whom he married in 1997, his stepdaughter, Dana Davis (Alan) and step grandaughter,Selena Davis of Charlotte; stepson, Chase Lindsey (Amber) step grandchildren Baya and Ryker Lindsey of Bryan, Texas and a brother Jim Coggins (Iris) of Albemarle, NC. He also leaves close friend Jeanne Nichols and family and close friend Betty Rowland, along with many aunts and uncles , cousins and family members who loved him dearly.

A Celebration of Life will be held Monday December 12, 2016 at 2:00 PM in the Palmetto Funeral Home Chapel , 2049 Carolina Place Drive, Fort Mill, SC 29708. The family will receive friends following the service.

Memorials may be sent to the Salvation Army Center of Hope Shelter, 534 Spratt St, Charlotte, NC 28206 or Hospice & Community Care,2275 India Hook Road, Rock Hill, SC 29732.

On-line condolences to the family may be made at www.palmettofh.com

The family is being served by Palmetto Funeral Home and Crematory of Fort Mill, SC.

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