Walter Joseph Coakley's Obituary
Walter Joseph Coakley, Jr., Captain US Navy (Retired) was born January 31, 1932 in Huntington, West Virginia and passed away August 19, 2016 in Atlanta, Georgia. Walt always excelled at any task he undertook. He was an Eagle Scout, received his Bachelor’s Degree from the US Naval Academy in Engineering and his MBA from the University of New Haven in Connecticut. Walt served for 28 years active duty, retiring as Captain.
During Walt’s distinguished career, he served on destroyers, commanded minesweepers, and commanded three nuclear powered submarines, including command of USS Nathanael Greene, a fleet ballistic missile submarine. After completing his tenure protecting our country on the open seas, he served in the Strategic Warfare Policy Group on the Joint Strategic Planning Staff. Before retiring, he was the Director of Nuclear Warfare and Arms Control Policy in the office of Chief of Naval Operations at the Pentagon.
Upon retirement in 1982, Walt joined the Institute of Nuclear Powers Operations and served on the World Association of Nuclear Power Operators in London, England.
Walt met Mabel Drowne White in Charleston, South Carolina and they were married June 13, 1959 in May’s home town of Asheville, North Carolina. Walt and May had two children, Claire and Chris. He was a dedicated husband and father, whose unquestionable devotion to his family was demonstrated each and every day.
Walt is survived by May, his wife of 57 years,; his two children, Claire and Chris; his 4 grandchildren Ashley, Courtney, Kelbey, and Kaylyn; 5 great grandchildren, Thomas, Arthur, Oliver, Joanna, and Gracey; his sister-in-law, Joan; and his two nieces, Carol and Gloria.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, 2:00 PM at Davis-Struempf Chapel. The family will receive friends on Tuesday, 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Davis-Struempf Funeral Home. Interment at Arlington National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to:
The Naval Academy: http://www.usna.com/page.aspx?pid=429
Rotary International: https://www.rotary.org/myrotary/en/take-action/give
The American Cancer Society: http://www.cancer.org/
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