Theo Coggins

On December 10, 1947, a very special baby was born in Richton, Mississippi. His birth mother was a young woman who wanted a better life for him than she could provide, so she made the loving sacrifice of giving him up for adoption. When he was one day old, Charles “Theo” Coggins went home with his parents, James Albert Coggins and Clarice Porter Coggins. Mr. Albert and Miss Pete thought he was the most beautiful baby they had ever seen. He had dark eyes and dark curls that helped wrap them around his little finger. He was so loved and spoiled that when his parents decided he needed a baby sister, he told them he wanted a baby brother instead. This is when his brother Terry joined the family.

The family lived on a farm in the Siloam community. Theo lived on the same plot of land his entire life. His address changed only when the post office changed it. When he began school at Siloam Community School, his first-grade teacher, Mrs. Franklin, was often surprised to find Theo in her lap during story time, instead of on the rug with the other children. No one in his family was surprised to learn about this. (True fact: He had never sat on a chair before in his life. (He was always in a parent’s lap.)

Theo married Kay Thornton Coggins in May 1968. They have two daughters, Melissa Borgioli and Jamye Morris. His family later gained sons Tom Borgioli (deceased) and Van Morris. His family was blessed with three grandchildren: Thomas and Dominic Borgioli, and Kaylen Morris. Theo was a life long member of Siloam Baptist Church. During the years, he was an award winner in all levels of State Bible Drill. He later ran the Bible drill with his mother and was a Sunday School teacher. He was a deacon. His true vocation was working with the children and youth of the church. He drove the Sunday school bus route for many years. He drove the bus on many church trips. He chaperoned youth trips, often paying the way for those who could not afford it. When the church needed a new organ, Theo bought one, but kept his involvement silent. Theo was a friend to all in need. He helped meet the total goals of mission offerings. He gave generously to the Baptist Children’s Village on Mother’s Day. He gave money to strangers who were down on their luck. Many people told him he was being scammed, but his reply was always that he had done his part and the rest was up to God. Theo is a man who literally gave another man the shirt off his back. One day he and the family were at Cracker Barrel and a man without a shirt was unable to go in. Theo had on a tee shirt and an over shirt. He took off the over shirt and gave it to the man. This man then came inside and ate with the entire family. Theo’s love language was deeds, more than words.

Theo was known for his words, and jokes, and shenanigans. Ask anyone who knew him, and they will have a Theo story. Even his grandchildren have a ton of stories about their “Gree.” Theo was one of the smartest people around. He began college as an accounting major, but was bored and did not want a job that kept him inside. He worked at Babcock and & Wilcox for 33 years, then retired to take care of Miss Pete during her cancer battle. He later worked at Old Waverly as a guard and entertained everyone who entered and exited the grounds. Many people still thank Theo for saving them traffic fines due to his diligent inspection sticker management.

Theo’s great loves were his Lord, his family, and Walt Disney World. He could not bear the thought that any child didn’t have the chance to go to the Happiest Place on Earth. He made about 43 trips to Disney in his lifetime, often with people who were not family members. He didn’t drink or smoke, and was always a faithful husband. His one addiction was one that he always shared with others. Theo was not perfect, but he was a good man. He was a man who loved and sacrificed for his family. Their needs always came first. When the time came, Theo’s needs came first. Kay nursed him diligently through Parkinson’s and the complications that came with it. She is the embodiment of “through sickness and in health.” They would have been married 59 years on May 13.

Theo is now at peace with his Lord and Savior. There is no more pain. He is rejoicing with his family who has gone before and with the angels. Theo was predeceased by his parents Albert and Clarice (Pete) Coggins and his son-in-law Tom Borgioli. He is survived by his loving wife Kay, his daughters Melissa and her sons Thomas and Dominic, and by his daughter Jamye and her husband Van and daughter Kaylen. He is also survived by his brother Terry Coggins (Rita) and their family.

Honorary Pallbearers: Terry Coggins, Eddie Thornton, Jym Moore, Van Morris, Thomas Borgioli, Dominic Borgioli, Dr. Mark Fletcher, and Dr Cole Wilkerson. Visitation will be from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 17, 2026 at Siloam Baptist Church, Hwy. 47, West Point, MS. A Memorial service will begin at noon at the church.

Instead of flowers, the family asks you make donations in Theo’s name to the Baptist Children’s Village or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital PO Box 1000 Dept. 42 Memphis, TN 38105.