Bernard Utley

Bernard Baker Utley, born May 31, 1922, died in his home on February 16, 2017, at the age of 94. Graveside services will be held on Monday, February 20, at Memory Hills Gardens at 11:00 AM with Chaplain Ron Wilson presiding and Norwood-Wyatt Chapel directing. Visitation will follow the services at the grave site. Mr. Utley was preceded in death by his parents, Zebedee and Claudia Baker Utley; his wife of 67 years, Elois Pinkerton Utley; his brothers, Homer Utley, Sidney Utley, Doyle Utley; and his sisters, Janice Utley Shockley, Elsie Utley Powell Barker, Florence Utley Maples, and Alma Nell Utley Gaddy. He is survived by his son, Gregory (Emily) Utley; his grandson, Nathan (Nikki) Utley; his sister, Ann Utley Thomas; and his sister-in-law Sue Pinkerton (Bud) Rudicell. Mr. Utley proudly served in the United States Air Force during World War II. During his tour of duty he worked as both a construction specialist and MP while stationed in Arkansas; and then as a repair technician for B-32 bombers in Italy. After being honorably discharged from military service, he worked as a carpenter and General Contractor in the construction industry; and met and married his wonderful wife, Elois. In 1965 he began a new career in civil service, working as the only Rural Letter Carrier for the Coker area. He remained with the US Postal Service for twenty-three years, until his retirement in 1988. He was also served as a founding member and Chairman of the Coker Water Authority. Honorary pallbearers are Dr. Ross Vaughn, members of the former Coker Baptist Church, members of the Coker Cumberland Presbyterian Church,Bobby and Margie Pate, Ms. Ann Hughes, Ms. Michelle Hughes-Harden,Mr. Marvin Steele, and Home Instead Senior Care, especially Jasmine Chambers and Shirley Reese. We wish to thank everyone for their prayers and support during this time. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Care Construction at St. Mark United Methodist Church or Hospice of West Alabama.