Harold Coker Passes

Newly inducted Tire Industry Hall of Fame recipient Harold Coker died on Nov. 16. He was 84 years old.

Born in Cherokee, N.C. on Christmas Eve 1929, Coker grew up in Athens, Tenn. He received an associate degree in chemical engineering from Wesleyan College and graduated from Tennessee Technical University with a bachelor of science in chemistry.

During his recent Tire Industry Association Hall of Fame speech, Coker joked that if he’d done well in calculus, his life might not have led him to the tire industry.

Coker started his career in the tire industry with B.F. Goodrich before founding Coker Tire Co. in 1958. He retired from active participation in the business in 2004, but served as chairman of the board emeritus for the company.

Coker also served as president of the National Tire Dealers and Retreaders Association in 1985. During his tenure, he spearheaded the effort to get the NTDRA into government affairs and lobbied for bills like voluntary tire registration. He was also instrumental in starting and raising money for the association’s PAC. Additionally, Coker was also chairman of the committee to establish Money Express, a credit card exclusively for tire dealers nationwide.

Outside the tire business, Coker served in the National Guard and was active in the Republican Party. He served as Hamilton County Commissioner from 1982 to 2002. Additionally, Coker was active at Woodland Park Baptist Church.

Coker is survived by his wife of 61 years, Lillian, and his children Corky, David and Christy.

Visitation will be at Chattanooga Funeral Home East on Nov. 18 from 3-7:30pm. The public is invited to a Celebration of Life service on Nov. 19 at 2pm at Woodland Park Baptist Church.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made to the Woodland Park Baptist Church Building Fund, 7501 Standifer Gap Road, Chattanooga, Tn. 37421, or the Family Action Counsel of Tennessee, 2479 Murfreesboro Road, Number 362, Nashville, Tn. 37179-3554.

Discount Tire & Service Centers has a new sponsorship deal with the Los Angeles Angels for the 2024 season. Discount Tire said this partnership will not only benefit its customers with season-long promotions and giveaways but will also support local non-profits.

"We're thrilled to launch this strategic partnership with the Los Angeles Angels," said Sergio Andonian, president, Discount Tire & Service Centers. "As neighbors, from Anaheim, we are dedicated to serving our local communities and providing quality tire & automotive service at the most competitive prices. Together, we look forward to making a positive and lasting impact in the communities. Add baseball to the mix, and with this winning combination, the possibilities are endless."