Harold Dean Coggins

Harold Dean Coggins of Sylva, NC passed away on July 24, 2026 after a long battle of health challenges. Harold was a grocery store manager for over forty years until he retired at the Franklin Ingles in 2009. After retiring, he worked at Gold, Silver & Coins in Franklin, Harold opened up his own business, Tyler’s Hamburger & Hotdog Shack in Whittier. He just couldn’t settle for being retired because he enjoyed working and providing for his family. Harold was a hardworking man that took pride in his work and he loved serving his community. In his younger days, Harold enjoyed fishing and playing in the creek with his brother and sisters, he sang in the choir at Fall Cliff Baptist Church, graduated from Cullowhee High School/Camp Lab in 1967 and he even drove the school bus. In his free time, he enjoyed spending time with family, loved growing vegetables, cooking a good meal as well as driving around with his beloved fur-baby, Christmas. Harold raised his grandson, Tyler and did his very best to make sure that all his needs were met.

Harold was born on May 17, 1949 in his home located at Wilson Creek in Cullowhee to the late Dee & Jessie Coggins. He was preceded in death by his parents, Dee and Jessie Coggins, siblings, Lester Coggins, Kathy Cross, Jean & Carolyn Coggins, and his first-born son, Harold Coggins Jr. Harold was the last living family member of his immediate family.

He is survived by his loving wife of thirty-nine years, Jan Coggins, his children, Brian Coggins, Kim Diamond, Justin Coggins (Keesha), Melissa Coggins (Jodie), Stacy Coggins (Vincente Leddy), Brian Fortner (Bobbi), and John Tucker (Donna). Harold has an abundance of grandchildren that he adored: Tyler Coggins (Hetti), Raena Liscio (Michael), Holden Diamond, Delanee Dial, Saveah, Gunner & Keeley Coggins, Andrew, Matthew, Rachael, Dylan & Orian Evans, Essynce, Airyel, Zechariah & Alexzander Leddy, Blake & Bryson Fortner, Jack & Hana Tucker and Charity Bugg and his cousin Evelyn Mathis as well as many other cousins on Cullowhee Mountain, and his long-time closest friends David Woodard, Tim and Doug Hogsed.

His memorial service will be at Fall Cliff Baptist Church in Cullowhee on Saturday, September 12th, 2026 at 2pm.