'Mr. Music in Tarboro' recalled fondly

After a visitation service Wednesday, family and friends of Terry Coley plan to celebrate his life Saturday and later this month.

Coley, 69, a former choir director at Tarboro's Howard Memorial Presbyterian Church, died Tuesday. The church's current rector, the Rev. Christopher Edmonston, said of Coley that he was a "wonderful human being, a dedicated and creative servant of God and church, and just about the most gifted musician any of us have ever known.

"Our church family is in shock at his sudden passing and, though we rejoice with Terry in the faith of Christ's everlasting love, we mark his loss with mourning, reminiscence, and reflection."

While a firm date hasn't been set yet, Edmonston added that Howard Memorial plans to hold its own memorial service for Coley later this month.

"Terry will be remembered with stories and anthems; with warm memories and rich laughter. He will be remembered as a remarkably talented guy, an amazingly faithful servant, and as a loyal and beautiful friend."

A memorial service also will be held 1 p.m. Saturday at Park Street United Methodist Church in Belmont, Coley's hometown.

Retiring from his choir director position at Howard Memorial in February 2006 after 44 years, Coley's influence and friendships did not remain just within the sphere of his church.

Lloyd Owens, choir director at Calvary Episcopal Church and a friend who had known Coley for decades, said that for "many, many years, he was Mr. Music in Tarboro."

Owens recounted how Coley would help the Tarboro High School chorus, and its former director Bill Pollard, to stage several musical shows such as "My Fair Lady" and "South Pacific" throughout the years.

"He did all the piano accompaniment for us ... (and) helped out tremendously" during those elaborate shows, Owens said.

Coley also occasionally substituted for Owens at Calvary's services when the need arised, Owens added.

Dr. Nettie Bunn Williams of Norman, Okla., described Coley as "an incredible guy, one of the most talented musicians I've met in my life." Williams, 68, said of Coley that "I have missed him the rest of my life, since I left" Edgecombe County in 1976. She first came to know Coley when they attended East Carolina University together in the early 1960s.

When she became the choir instructor at West Edgecombe High School, Coley helped her also become the choir director at First Baptist Church in Tarboro. "I was complaining about being lonely" Williams said facetiously, and Coley, Owens and her enjoyed working together with the various church and school choir activities in the community. "We did tons of stuff together."

Williams added that, even though she was a close friend to Coley, his death affects "thousands" in Edgecombe County because of his work in music.

"Terry has provided glorious music for just thousands of people."