Elias Coye Still, Jr.

Going to be with the Lord Jesus Christ for eternity was the gift Coye Still received as he passed from this life through death. What a blessing to know that "the sufferings of this present world are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us" through Jesus Christ (Romans 8:18)! Elias Coye Still, Jr. was born in Orangeburg County, SC to his parents, Elias Coye Still, Sr and Goldie Edwards Still, on June 25, 1929. In addition to his deceased parents, Coye has two surviving sisters: Helen Bates (and husband, Bill) of Marietta, Georgia; and Merolyn McGee (and husband, Dan) of Waco, Texas. Coye grew up in Barnwell, SC, attended schools there, and was later graduated from Furman University, and Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. His schooling was interrupted by his service in the US Navy, where he was stationed on the USS Pine Island. Coye has served as pastor of a number of churches in South and North Carolina, having retired from the Sunset Avenue Baptist Church in Rocky Mount, NC. Following his retirement in 1994, Coye and his wife, Jean, moved to Eden, NC, where he has been privileged to serve a number of churches in this area as Interim Pastor. The most recent interim was Spray Baptist Church, where he and Jean have remained as members. Coye and Jean are parents of three children: Deborah Sasser (and husband, Paul) of Eden, NC; Rona Harden (and husband, Mike) of Shelby, NC; and Coye, III (and wife, Sherra) of Harrisburg, NC. He was "Papa" to Caleb, Anastasiya, Micah, Isaac, and Anna; Amber (and husband, Kyle), MIchael, and MIchelle; Coye IV, Seth, Anna Grace, Eden, and Hope. Coye shared his abiding love with each grandchild and has mentored them as opportunities presented in things he, himself, had been taught from his parents and others about life, work, relationships, and godly reverence and respect. Perhaps the most significant thing about his care and concern for his children and grandchildren was in faithfulness in praying daily on his knees for each one by name. Coye trusted God to continue the work He had begun in these formative lives so that they would be useful in service for God through their own lives. When one or more of the children or grandchildren experienced harsh or negative involvements, Coye walked with them all the way, encouraging them in the right action and godly attitudes. His legacy will endure through the lives of the next two generations. Coye's godliness, widsom, knowledge, strong work ethic , joy of life and sense of humor were all conveyed to those who shared his zest for life and responsiblity of being an honorable kingdom citizen, honoring and caring for God's benevolent gifts to mankind. He was an honest man, filled with good deeds and concern for others and the deep desire that people with whom he shared may believe and worship God. Thank you, God, for sharing this man with us! A time of visitation is planned for Friday, May 27, 6 - 8 PM at Spray Baptist Church. A private family graveside is also planned. Memorial donations may be made to Spray Baptist Church, 745 Church Street, Eden, NC 27288. Designations may be noted for the Lottie Moon International Missions Offering or to the NC Baptist Children's Homes. Memorials may also be made to Hospice of Rockingham County, PO Box 281, Wentworth, NC 27375. Fair Funeral Home is assisting the family and online condolences may be offered to the family at www.fairfuneralhome.com