Obituary of Elwood Brogden Coley

Dr. Elwood B. "Woody" Coley died peacefully at the Dubose Health Center in Chapel Hill on September 10, 2016. Born on March 31, 1927, he grew up as one of six siblings on a farm in Wilder's Grove, NC. Raised in the height of the depression by his mother, Mrs. C. L. Wrenn, who lost her husband when he was three years old, he learned to advance with few luxuries. At Morrison High School, he showed early leadership skills, becoming the president of the senior class. Upon graduation in 1944, Woody received a scholarship to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Midway through UNC, he joined the Navy to serve his country as a Hospital corpsman, then returned to graduate with honors earning Phi Beta Kappa. He entered the UNC School of Medicine in 1948, graduated in 1950, then was recommended by the Dean and attended the University of Pennsylvania for further preparation as a pediatrician. He married Ruby Harris in 1953 following his residency, and they moved to Henderson, NC, where he began practicing pediatrics. In 1958 the Coleys moved to Lumberton, where Woody tirelessly treated children for 36 years. Positions he held while a member of the medical staff of Southeastern General Hospital included Chief of Medicine, Secretary of the Medical Staff, and Member of the Executive Committee. He was a member of the American Medical Association, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and served on the Executive Committee of the NC Academy of Pediatrics from 1981-1984. In addition, he served as a Clinical Assistant Professor at the UNC School of Medicine from 1958-1982. He once stated "My greatest reward working as a pediatrician is the thrill watching mothers and fathers learn to be parents." For decades, parents from all walks of life would reference that "Dr. Coley had helped them raise their children". Another great tribute to his care and compassion for others could be seen in the loyalty of his nursing staff at the Children's Clinic, who frequently referenced his kindness and respect for their efforts. While in Lumberton, Woody was active as a Deacon at First Baptist Church, taught Sunday school, and served on various committees including the early Childhood Ministry, Personnel Committee( Chair for four years), and Pastoral Search Committee. He was particularly inspired by a medical mission trip to Venezuela. Taught by his brother Albert, Woody expressed his deep faith eloquently at the beginning of every meal. Friends and relatives always felt closer to God after one of his notable blessings. Even after retiring, Woody found ways to help others, working at Kaiser Permanente, the NC State Student Health Center, and handling the physical assessment of aspiring Marines. When asked why he still worked at 80, he remarked, "I am happy to be able to work occasionally and to contribute". Woody did find time to attend as many as 1,000 Carolina Football and Basketball games as a 50 year Ram's Club member. He and Ruby enjoyed vacations in Sea Island, and Camp Seafarer, where he served as a Camp physician for 17 years. They loved to collect antiques, and spend time with their family, all who relished the meals when he would make his renowned fried corn bread. The Coleys moved to Chapel Hill in 2004. Ruby will continue to reside there at The Cedars. Survivors in addition to his wife, Ruby, of 62 years, include his son and daughter-in law, Woody and Melanie Coley of Chapel Hill, NC; his daughter and son-in-law, Betsy and Randy Fralin of Richmond, VA; five grandchildren: Calvert Coley Lange and husband Alex of New York, NY, Catherine Coley of San Francisco, CA, Scottie Fralin, Grace Fralin, and Virginia Fralin, all of Richmond, VA; a brother Albert of Raleigh, and numerous beloved nieces and nephews. A private family ceremony will be held in Raleigh at the Oakwood Cemetery on Thursday, September 15 with a Memorial Service at one o'clock in Lumberton at the First Baptist Church on 6th Avenue and Walnut Street on Friday, September 16. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Endowment Fund of First Baptist Church, 606 North Walnut Street, Lumberton, NC 28358, or your favorite charity. Walker's Funeral Home of Chapel Hill is honored to be serving the Coley family. Online condolences may be offered at www.walkersfuneralservice.com.