Billy Glenn Coker first improved the world on December 2, 1947, and left it poorer on April 16, 2026. Just after sunset on Wednesday, we lost one of its truest and most noble Grumps — a pureblood Coker living in Farmersville, Texas. Billy’s first breath forever improved the town of Greenville, as he was quite fond of pointing out.

Billy was the eldest son of R.C. and Edith Coker, both longtime residents of Farmersville and the surrounding communities, who predeceased him late in the last century. Also preceding him in death was his wife, Judith Langley Coker, originally of Princeton, whose humor and unending passion for life kept her living eighteen years into a six-month prognosis. The tornado of December 26, 2015, took their home, but Judith held on long enough to see it rebuilt — and passed peacefully once it was.

Billy was a lifelong educator who pursued other careers in his youth — working as a ranch hand and later as a journalist for a local paper in Denton — before coaching various levels of high school football as he developed his calling as a teacher, principal, and ultimately superintendent, retiring from Hart’s Bluff ISD.

Students who grew to become men and women of good conscience and principle found him to be a jolly and pleasant friend.

As a man of true principles, Billy had little patience for fools and almost none for liars — but his personal favorite target was the merciless. He had no regard for bullies, whether they were his students or their parents. Anyone who abused power over those weaker than themselves would find no shelter in his sight. As a keen poker player, he could not be intimidated, while bullies almost always can be.

The world could certainly not handle many more like him. But if the world doesn’t find more like him, it certainly cannot survive.

He is survived by a younger sister, Margie, and two younger brothers, Dean and Harland (James), all of whom have bettered the world by raising a rich array of hardworking and good-hearted individuals who contribute broadly to their communities and to society. He is also survived by his son, Thomas Langley. His heart and eyes and arm are broken, but Billy was still always able to find ways to be proud.

A memorial service will be held at Farmersville United Methodist Church, just off the square near downtown, on May 2nd from 3:00 to 4:00 PM. Attendees are welcome, and asked, to share any personal moments to better celebrate his life.