- Date Of Birth: May 27, 1929
- Date Of Death: August 7, 2016
- State: Georgia
Reginald Denny Coggin passed away peacefully in the comfort of his home and in the care of his family on August 7, 2016. He was born in Coweta County on May 27, 1929 and was the fourth child born to the late Alfred Grady and Lizzie Louvenda Banks Coggin. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings William Grady Coggin, Champ Andrew Coggin, twin brothers that died in infancy Donald and Douglas and his sister Mary Frances Coggin Ferrell. His father, “Mr. Grady”, as he was affectionately known, drove the first school bus in Coweta County.
It was hand crafted by the school system from a flatbed truck and first operated in 1930. Mr. Grady did this in order for not only his children, but also others in the community to complete their education at Newnan High School. Reginald carried on this legacy of helping others throughout his life. Reginald graduated from Newnan High School in 1946. He received his Bachelor of Science degree from Berry College in 1950. He did post graduate work at Florida Southern College in Lakeland, Florida and graduate work at Mercer University. He taught school in Coweta County and Gordon Military College in Barnesville, where he was nicknamed “Fess” and was voted most popular professor two years in a row. He joined the Georgia National Guard in July 1951 as a private, served eight years and obtained the rank of Captain. Most of his professional career was in sales.
He was an associate of Jean Patou of Paris, France for 25 years as regional and national sales manager. He retired in 1992. As an active participant in the life of his community, he had been a member of Kiwanis, American Legion and Elks clubs. His faith was grounded in Newnan First United Methodist Church where he had been a member since 1950. He faithfully served his church in many capacities. Reginald loved life and people and did many things to make the world more beautiful such as his infamous backyard gully which was spectacular; overflowing with roses, lilies, hostas and a wide variety of blooming annuals.
He was still planting in the spring of his 87th year. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Anne McKoy Coggin. His children are Bradley Banks Coggin and his wife Tammy of Sharpsburg, Rebecca Mann Coggin Center and her husband Bruce Edward Center of Kennesaw, Jennifer Jaye Coggin Eddins and her husband David Randall Eddins of Rome, Ken Wesley Coggin and his wife Mary Ellen Mansour Coggin of Newnan. His grandchildren are Patrick Banks Coggin, Christopher Ryan Coggin, Kristin Bailey Coggin, Mitchell Edward Center, Nicole Rae Center, Hannah Christine Eddins, Victoria Anne Eddins, Margaret Randall Eddins, Banks Mansour Coggin, Ellis Edwin Coggin, and Henry Archer Coggin.
