AMERICUS — Robert Neal Coley, age 77, passed on April 18, 2017, at Phoebe Sumter Medical Center, Americus, Georgia.

The Celebration of Life will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, April 25, 2017, at Friendship Missionary Baptist Church, 415 Cotton Ave., Americus, Georgia, where Bishop Melvin McCluster is the pastor.

Robert was born Aug. 18, 1939, in Americus, Georgia, to the late Timothy O. Coley Sr. and Lila Mae Neal Coley. He is preceded in death by five siblings Timothy O. Coley Jr., Constance Hellsetter, Otis Mae Calloway, Rudolph Coley, and Barbara Anna Coley, and a brother-in-law Theodore Storey.

Robert was educated in the public schools system of Sumter County and was a graduate of Staley High School, Americus, Georgia. At an early age, he accepted Christ as his personal Lord and Savior. He joined the band of Christian believers at Friendship Missionary Baptist Church. He was employed at Phillip’s Industries as a supervisor and later worked and retired from Container Marketing Inc., as a supervisor.

Robert was a devoted husband and a caring father. He was a “sharp dresser” who loved his elegant suits which he wore daily. Robert was one of the greatest checker players in Southwest Georgia. He loved to draw as a hobby and he created “signs” for area businesses in the community. Robert had a passion for others; he would do anything to help you, if needed.

He leaves to cherish his memories, his wife of 43 years, Gwendolyn Storey Coley, Americus, Georgia; 11 children Willie Lee Carter, Brenda Carter Tyson (Jesse), Robert Jerome Coley, Derrick Dexter Coley (Yolanda), Deo Coley Cochran-Sherrod (the Rev. Dr. Frederick), all of Americus, Georgia, Kelvin Everett Coley, Macon, Georgia, Darrel Storey (Cellia), Americus, Georgia, Gisela Beatrice Coley, Macon, Georgia, Donza Melissa Foster (Fredric), Powder Springs, Georgia, Robert Andre’  Coley (Michelle), Jacksonville, Florida, Courtney Kentrolis Coley Sr., Americus, Georgia; 41 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; three siblings Gracie Milliner, Hartford, Connecticut, Stephen Coley (Gisela), Columbia, Maryland, and Ronald Coley (Sharon), Americus, Georgia ; sisters and brothers-in-law Melvyn Storey, Americus, Georgia, Lillian Batchelor (Thomas), Ellaville, Georgia, Bernard Storey (Erma) Arizona, Doris Collier (David) Albany, Georgia, the Rev. Dr. William Storey (Mamie), Columbus, Georgia, Milton Storey (Mary), Ellaville, Georgia, Diann Laster (the Rev. William) Americus, Georgia, and Velma Coley, Andersonville, Georgia; and a host of nieces, nephews , other relatives and friends including a devoted nephew Issaac Storey and friend  Herbert Turner, Albany, Georgia.

Oglethorpe Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.