Wyatt Henry "Bud" Coggins

February 23, 1936 - September 23, 2023

Obituary For Wyatt Henry "Bud" Coggins

Wyatt Henry “Bud” Coggins of Raleigh, NC passed away on September 23, 2023, at the age of 87. He was born in Charlotte, NC on February 23, 1936 to the late Wyatt and Myrtle Coggins.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 27 years, Nancy Daley Coggins, his three children Steve Coggins (Allison) of Wilmington, NC, Diane Jolley (Chris) of Charlotte, NC, Linda Carrigan of Raleigh, NC and stepson Joe Weaver of Raleigh, NC along with his nine loving grandchildren; Will (Sam), Catherine, and Ben Coggins; Sarah English Coggins Fields (Tanner), Elizabeth Jolley; Anna, Sydney and Katie Carrigan; and Ashton Weaver; sister-in-law Ellen Walleser, many devoted nieces and nephews, and more close family members and friends. In addition to his parents, Bud was preceded in death by his sister Geraldine McHugh, brother-in-law Aloysius “Mac” McHugh, niece Kitty McHugh and first wife Laura Underwood Coggins.

Bud graduated from West Mecklenburg High School in Charlotte. After high school, Bud proudly served two years in the Navy and then graduated from UNC-Chapel Hill in 1960. He worked for Revlon as a Sales Representative for a few years in Florida and then returned to Charlotte to work as the Sales Manager at WBTV. Bud moved to Raleigh in 1977 to work at WRAL-TV and later WRAL- FM in the positions of Sales Manager and Station Manager. In 1984, Bud started his own company, Coggins Sales & Marketing, Inc. He was passionate about coaching entrepreneurs to help them achieve their pursuit of success. After 40 years of being and coaching entrepreneurs, Bud was proud to have written and published a book titled “Profile of a Successful Entrepreneur.”

Bud was an avid Carolina Tarheel fan and his enthusiasm for the Tarheels was contagious. Bud attended many Carolina football and basketball games over the years. He was in the Chi Phi Fraternity at Carolina and throughout the years, he and Nancy enjoyed many trips with his Chi Phi brothers and their wives. Bud had a quick wit, great sense of humor and cherished his time with family and friends. He found great joy in attending his granddaughters’ swim meets at Springdale Area Recreation Club. For many years, Bud was the announcer at the swim meets and was affectionately referred to as the “Voice of Springdale.” He loved eagles and also delighted in watching the hummingbirds come to his porch each year during the spring and summer.

Bud enjoyed helping others and had many interests as evidenced by the many boards he served on throughout his life; the Chi Phi Fraternity, Raleigh Little Theatre, Wake Tech Foundation and the Raleigh Chamber of Commerce to name a few. He was instrumental in starting the Mended Hearts chapter at WakeMed Hospital and served as the President of the chapter for many years.

The family is especially grateful to TheKey (formerly Home Care Assistance) and Bud’s caregiver and great friend Geoff Fleming (and his Flat-coated retriever Lillie) who both took extraordinary care of Bud during his last year of life. And a special thank you to Bud’s physical therapist, Sonia Stotsky, who always ended their sessions with a dance party. The family would like to thank Transitions LifeCare for their amazing guidance and compassion during Bud’s final stage of life.

A celebration of life service will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, October 14, 2023, at Renaissance Funeral Home, 7615 Six Forks Road, Raleigh, NC 27615. Family and friends are welcome to visit with the family and have refreshments immediately following the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Bud’s name to Transitions LifeCare, 250 Hospice Circle, Raleigh, NC 27607 or to the American Cancer Society.

Bud’s final resting place will be in the Memorial Gardens on the campus of UNC-Chapel Hill.

Services

14 Oct

Celebration of Life

11:30 AM

Renaissance Funeral Home 7615 Six Forks Road Raleigh, NC 27615 Get Directions »

14 Oct

Reception

12:30 PM

Renaissance Funeral Home 7615 Six Forks Road Raleigh, NC 27615 Get Directions »

by Obituary Assistant

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Condolences

September 26, 2023

Lyn Medlin

Nancy, what a beautiful human and I admired and will always admire Bud. What a wonderful mentor and friend he was to me for many years. I have thought about you both many, many times over the last few years. Much love and prayers that he and you are at peace and my sincere condolences. Lyn
September 26, 2023

Cher & Bil Holton

Bud will always hold a special place in our hearts -- and we know he is now soaring into his next incredible Spiritual Adventure, free of any of the bodily things that were holding him back. We know there is no separation in Spirit -- and he is always with you. Much love and comfort!
September 26, 2023

Lynda Villas

I was Bud's Administrative Assistant when he was General Sales Manager at WBTV in Charlotte. Bud was a wonderful man with the ability to bring out the best in his sales team and in me. He was a special friend and I know he will be missed by all his family and friends. Lynda Villas
September 24, 2023

Philip Sheppard

Steve, Diane, and Linda, I am saddened by the passing of your father. Please know that all of you are in my prayers during this time. Uncle Buddy had such a sense of humor that I always appreciated. This world is less without the light of his presence.
September 24, 2023

Kris Sammons

The Sammons family wanted to extend our prayers and well wishes to Bud's family especially Steve, Linda and Diane. We all have such fond memories of your family from Springdale. Memories we will cherish for life. Sending our love, Kathy, Kris and Eric Sammons
September 24, 2023

Kris Sammons
September 24, 2023

Patti Fralix

I had many good times with "Coach Bud" in the Carolina Speakers Association, and he even coached me on Marketing. My thoughts and prayers to all of Bud's family.
September 24, 2023

Waltye Rasulala

Prayers and thoughts go out to Bud's family. He was a wonderful person to work with over the years at WRAL-TV. Blessings, Waltye Rasulala