William Francis Coakley

William Francis Coakley

January 8, 1953 – January 14, 2019

William Francis Coakley passed away suddenly from a brief illness on Monday evening, January 14, 2019. Bill was the second son of Rosemond Gowing and Lt. Col. Francis Hutt Coakley. Bill was raised in Fayetteville and always considered it home. He attended the Fayetteville public schools while his father served as a military officer. He graduated from Reid Ross High School.

Bill attended The Ringling School of Art in Sarasota, Florida and UNC-Chapel Hill. He lived and worked in San Diego, California for some years before returning to North Carolina. Bill was known among his friends as a kind, intelligent, quick witted man. He was great fun and will be missed.

Bill is survived by his sisters, Sandy von Unwerth of Woodstock, Vermont and Leigh Pettus of Asheville, NC, several nieces, nephews and his beloved cats. His best friend, Rodney Moser, survives him.

All services celebrating this very special man are private.

In lieu of flowers donations, may be made to The Alamance County Humane Society Spay and Neuter Program or The Fine Arts Society at The Burlington School.

Rich & Thompson Funeral and Cremation Service in Burlington is assisting the family.

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