Flowery Branch community mourns loss of warrior Coker

FLOWERY BRANCH -- The Flowery Branch community lost a beloved member this week, and Flowery Branch High School Principal Dr. Jason Carter says that the Falcons express their sincerest condolences to the family of Sharon and Miles Coker over the loss of their son Keaton Coker, who died on the evening of July 15, following a long and courageous battle against cancer. <br /> <br /> Keaton, a member of the FBHS Class of 2014, was an inspiration to all who knew him. His courage and spirit were best displayed through his performance as a member to the Falcons' football team, a team he truly cherished. <br /> <br /> A great tribute to Keaton's positive attitude in light of extremely difficult circumstances in battling cancer came on the evening of June 15, 2014 on the campus of Georgia Tech. Keaton Coker was named the 2013-14 Most Positive Male Athlete for Georgia at the inaugural Positive High School Athlete Awards held at McCamish Pavilion on the Tech campus. Coker was presented the award by former Georgia Bulldogs star and Super Bowl XL MVP Hines Ward. <br /> <br /> "Keaton has had to overcome miles of adversity in the past few years to be able to participate in the sport he loves", said Ward who helped create the Positive Athlete program. "Despite his circumstances, he continues to push on and be an inspiration to those around him". <br /> <br /> Upon the presentation of the award, the crowd rose to their feet and gave Keaton a standing ovation in acknowledgement of his outstanding, courage, spirit, and perseverance.<br /> <br /> Funeral services are scheduled for 11 a.m. Friday at Lakewood Baptist Church in Gainesville with interment to follow in Alta Vista Cemetery. Dr. Tom Smiley, Reverend Don Ormsbee and Reverend Scott Smith will officiate. <br /> <br /> The family will receive friends from 3-6 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. Thursday at Lakewood Baptist Church on Thompson Bridge Road.<br /> <br /> Flowers will be accepted but for those who desire donations may be made to Lakewood Baptist Church Kids Camp Scholarship Program 2235 Thompson Bridge Road Gainesville, GA 30501.<br /> <br /> Send condolences to Memorial Park North Riverside Chapel 989 Riverside Drive Gainesville, GA 30501 -- 770-297-6200 or for those who desire online condolences visit www.memorialparkfuneralhomes.com.

http://accesswdun.com/article/2014/7/277204