Robert Melton Coley

Mr. Robert Melton (Bob) Coley, 84, of Statesville, died Thursday, September 24, 2015 at the Gordon Hospice House. Born in Iredell County on January 19, 1931, he was a son of the late French Benard Coley and Elvie Elizabeth Burgess Coley. Bob was retired from Southern Screw Co. as a machine operator and instructor. He was a member of Fairview Baptist Church and was active in his Sunday School Class, The Men's Bible Class. He enjoyed rabbit hunting, fishing, boat building, gardening and was a sports enthusiast. He served during the Korean War in the U. S. Navy aboard the USS Midway. He was preceded in death by a sister, Dorothy C. Kilpatrick. Survivors include his wife, Gwen A. Coley, two sons, Dana J. Coley and Darrin A. Coley, both of Statesville and a sister, Jean Coley Goodman of Troutman. Services celebrating Bob's life will be conducted at 2:00 Monday, September 28, 2015 at Fairview Baptist Church with Dr. Scott Eanes and Rev. Paul Hill officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery with full military rites presented by the Harmony American Legion Post Burial Detail. The family will then receive friends in the church fellowship hall following the committal. Condolences may be sent online to the family to www.nicholsonfunerals.com. Memorials may be given to Fairview Baptist Church Building Fund, 349 Turnersburg Hwy., Statesville, N.C. 28625, The Equiping With Truth Ministry, C/O Rusty McLelland, 119 W. Broad St. Statesville, N.C. 28677 or to the Gideons, P.O. Box 148, Statesville, N.C. 28687. Nicholson Funeral Home is entrusted with the arrangements.