Louie Dwaine Coley

Louie Dwaine “Sonny” Coley, of Athens, Texas, passed away at the age of 83 on July 29, 2024, in Athens, Texas. He was born on August 4, 1940, in Waxahachie, Texas to Louie Brite Coley and Ada Lou McWhorter Coley. He grew up in Midlothian, Texas, where he was on the high school basketball team that was the first to win a district title and bi-district in any sport in Midlothian. He met his wife, Glenda Carole Esslinger Coley, at a church in Denton while in college. They married on February 23, 1963, and were married for over 56 years at the time of her passing in 2019. Dwaine from a young age loved to make others laugh. In his childhood, he would watch actors like John Wayne and Gene Autry and his love for Westerns was lifelong. Dwaine also loved to sing. He could be heard singing just about anywhere at any time and it was a joy to hear. In later years, he especially loved singing Southern Gospel songs and even sang some solos in church. He served in the Navy Reserve. Dwaine was a man of integrity and believed in working hard to give a better life to those he loved. He was a humble man of few words, but when he spoke it was thoughtful and caring. He also believed in giving to those in need without getting credit for it and was very generous when he did. He professed personal faith in Jesus Christ as his Savior and was at peace about where he would spend eternity. He will always be remembered as a loving husband, father, brother, and friend. 

Dwaine is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Cynthia Dee Coley Crumpton and J. Darren Crumpton, of Athens, Texas; a son, Matthew Coley, of Saginaw, Texas; two grandchildren, Samuel Dwaine Coley and Gabriella Marie Coley; a sister, Betty Coley White of Athens, Texas; two nieces, Donna Esslinger Roberson and Shannon Esslinger; a nephew, Mark White; as well as several great nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Glenda Carole Esslinger Coley; parents, Louie Brite Coley and Ada Lou McWhorter Coley; brothers-in-law, Kellis Gene White and Jerry Don Esslinger; nephew, Michael Scott White, and niece Terry Kalise White. 

His Celebration of life will be held at Arabella of Athens assisted living clubhouse in Athens, Texas, at 2:00 p.m. on August 24, 2024.

 In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.