Dr. William Luther “Luke” Coker, Jr. was at home with his family by his side, on March 22, 2026, when he departed for his next adventure. He was 88 years old.

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Luke was born on February 15, 1938 in Turbeville, South Carolina, the fifth of six children to Maggie and William Coker, Sr. He was raised on a tobacco farm by parents who emphasized education, a value that Luke and his siblings took to heart.

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At Kingstree High School, Luke was voted “most likely to succeed,” played the clarinet, and served as drum major and assistant conductor. He continued playing clarinet in the marching band while attending the University of South Carolina, graduating in three years before attending the Medical University of South Carolina in Columbia.

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He proudly served as a medical officer in the United States Navy aboard the nuclear submarines USS Henry L. Stimson and USS Nathan Hale. While stationed in Groton, Connecticut, he met the love of his life, Gloria Jean Valko, on a blind date. They married and began a 61-year partnership founded on love and nurtured by deep respect and adoration. The love letters he wrote before going on patrol continued throughout their marriage. Together, they lovingly raised two children, William Luther “Tad” Coker III and Leslie Robin “Lee” Coker.

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After his military service, Luke attended Baylor College of Medicine and Duke University to complete his dermatology training. In 1970, Luke and Gloria chose to settle in a town midway between Connecticut and South Carolina. He opened his dermatology practice in Hampton, Virginia, persevering through the early “lean” years to build a thriving practice. He cared for generations of residents who sought him out for his keen eye, kind nature, and dry sense of humor. He truly enjoyed his profession, his patients, and especially his staff. He often reminded his children, “Find a job you love, and you’ll never work a day in your life.” In 2003, he was joined by his daughter, Lee, and they worked side by side for over two decades.

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Luke loved the outdoors and was an avid runner, qualifying for the Boston Marathon. He enjoyed family vacations filled with camping, hiking, kayaking, and tandem bicycling with Gloria. He swam almost every day to stay in shape and even learned to windsurf, which he continued to do on the Currituck Sound well into his 80s. He cherished time with his family, especially watching sunsets from their cottage with a pitcher of margaritas.

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He was so proud of Gloria, whose art is displayed throughout his office, and of Tad and Lee for the compassionate people they became and the families they built.

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Luke was preceded in death by his parents; his older brother, Morgan Coker; and his sisters, Mary Ellen Brigman and Rebecca Coker Thies. He is survived by his beloved wife, Gloria; their pup, Lily; his son, William “Tad” Luther Coker III, DDS, and his wife, Janet, along with their sons, William Luther Coker IV and Benjamin Rogers Coker; his daughter, Leslie “Lee” Robin Coker, MD, and her daughter, Ellie Jean Hasbrouck; his sister, Gertrude Coker Hall; his brother, Dr. Steven Coker, and his wife, Joanne; as well as many nieces, nephews, dear friends, and the dedicated staff at Associates in Dermatology, Inc.