William A. (Bill) Coker,Jr. of Katy passed away peacefully on October 17, 2003. He was born on March 4, 1930 in Scott, AR. He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy and retired as Vice President of Transportation for Imperial Sugar Company. Additionally, he served on the City Council, Planning Commission, Charter Review Committee and the Engineering Review Committee for the City of Sugar Land, TX. He was a Director, Past President and Man of the Year for the Southwest Shippers Advisory Board and a member of the American Society of Transportation & Logistics. He served as Vice President of the Texas Industrial Traffic League, Director of the Shippers National Freight Claim Council, and was a Director and First Vice President of the National Association of Rail Shippers. He will always be remembered for his kindness and generosity.

Bill is survived by his loving wife and partner of 53 years, Zelda M. Coker who resides in Katy, TX and by his two sons, William L. Coker of Katy, TX and Jeffrey P. Coker of Mansfield, TX. Other survivors include daughters-in-law Terri Coker and Jody Coker; granddaughters Cassie Coker, Ashley White and Emily Coker; brother James Coker of Little Rock, AR; and sisters Ann Baker of Phoenix, AZ and Audean Harney of Little Rock, AR; sister-in-law and brother-in-law Comalene and Roger Zelsman; nieces Keri Kurtz and Kelly Cherry; and numerous other nieces and nephews and cousins.

Memorial services were held on Tuesday, October 21, 2003 at the First United Methodist Church of Sugar Land, 431 Eldridge, at 1:00 P.M. with Rev. Bert Bagley officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Mr. Coker's name to the American Cancer Society and/or Houston Hospice, 8811 Gaylord, Ste. 100, Houston,TX 77024.