I was very saddened to hear yesterday that Harold Coker, who I have known since before I had a driver's license, passed away Tuesday, Nov 16, after a fall at his farm.
Photo by Coker Tire
Almost everyone into old cars has heard of Coker Tire in Chattanooga, TN. What many don't realize is how pivotal Harold's involvement has been in the growth of the hobby. Harold was restoring an old car in the late '50s when he discovered there were no tires available for it. When he found that many of the old tire molds were still in existence, he started buying every one of them he could locate and began manufacturing tires specifically for antique and classic cars. Coker Tire quickly became the world's largest manufacturer and supplier of tires for that market.
One of the best rememberances of Harold I've read was penned by Lauren St. Germain for Chattanooga's WTVC NewsChannel 9:
"I wear a size 10 shoe and my dad wore a size 13. I should just hope that my little size 10 foot would fill his shoes one day," said Corky Coker, Harold Coker's son.
Harold Coker, longtime Hamilton County Commissioner and well-know Republican, died over the weekend at the age of 84.
The story of Harold Coker started back in 1958.
"My grandfather and grandmother sold their home in Athens, Tennessee, to give my dad the money to start the company," said Corky.
Harold Coker then moved the company to Chattanooga in 1961. Coker Tire quickly became the largest supplier of collector tires and wheels in the world. Owning such a successful and widely-known company would be enough to make most people sit back and give themselves a pat on the back, but not Mr. Coker.
"My father loves his God, his family, and his community. He felt that it was always important to give back to the community and because he earned his living in the community, he thought it very important to be involved," said Corky.
To many Harold Coker was known as the father of the Republican party in Hamilton County. He served on the county commission for more than 20 years and ran for Congress in 1988. Former Chattanooga Mayor Ron Littlefield said he was someone most people wanted to see coming, thanks to his entrepreneurial spirit.
"Harold could breach the great divide. He could bridge over and help make things happen," said Ron Littlefield.
The former commissioner played a huge role in developing Enterprise South, eventually leading to Volkswagen. He was also on the board of directors at EPB. Harold Coker has an enormous collection of shovels lining his garage, all from groundbreakings during his tenure.
Despite being a serious businessman, the former commissioner loved to dance with his wife, Lillian, whenever he could.
"My dad loved to dance," said Corky.
He was caught dancing everywhere, from friends' parties to the re-opening of city hall in 2007.
"Mom, I get to dance with you now so I danced with her right there in the room; he's dancing in heaven and I get to dance with his sweetheart until she joins him," said Corky.
I will cherish forever the memory of spending a couple of hours with Harold and several of our common friends at his barn during last fall's Revival Glidden Tour in Chattanooga. If there was ever a better ambassador for the collector car hobby, I've not met him.
Harold Coker will be missed by a vast number of people.
Harold's obituary can be found HERE.
