Staff Photo by Dan Henry/Chattanooga Times Free Press
Retired businessman and former Hamilton County County Commissioner Harold Coker speaks about some of his favorite pre-1916 era cars.Longtime local Republican leader and founder of Coker Tires Harold Coker died this morning. He was 84.
Coker served 20 years on the Hamilton County Commission, serving four terms as chairman and at other times as the Finance or Economic Development chairman, according to his Leadership Series profile from his alma mater, Tennessee Technological University. He was known for helping other Republicans get elected, even after his own service ended. He and his wife Lillian often hosted political gatherings at their farm on Standifer Gap Road.
“Harold Coker loved being involved in politics, loved being involved in the community, grew a successful business and was a friend to so many in our city,” U.S. Sen. Bob Corker said in a release today. “But more than that, anyone who spent any time with him knew his favorite roles in life were being husband to Lill, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.”
Coker became almost a household name in the community, stretching beyond his political circle. The company he started in 1958 is now the largest supplier of tires for collector cars in the world.
“He contributed mightily to our community at every single stage of his very blessed life,” said former U.S. Rep. Zach Wamp. “He was an effective county commissioner, a respected businessman and a follower of Jesus.
“My friend Harold Coker will be sorely missed but never forgotten. Few people in our region’s history have accomplished more in the areas of efficient and responsible government, public service, running a successful business and leading a wonderful family than Harold Coker.”