Bayard Coggins

Bayard Coggins, 57, of Albemarle, NC, passed away peacefully on July 13, 2024.

Born on January 5, 1967, in Laurinburg, NC, Bayard was known by his family and friends for his ceaseless sense of humor, intelligence and his disregard for social norms, living every day to the fullest. Those close to him expected the unexpected from Bayard. He took great pleasure in playing pranks and surprising people with his audaciousness. He lived a full life and had many stories to share about seemingly everything. Bayard’s personality filled the room and made an impression on even those he only met once.

Bayard spent his formative years in Cheraw, SC, where he attended Cheraw High School. He went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the University of South Carolina and his masters of business administration from the University of North Carolina. Bayard’s interests took him to many different paths and successes in restaurant ownership, touring with a USO production crew, various skilled contract work, and many others. In recent years, his work focused on education, teaching college courses through community college programs, extension classes through Duke University and contract teaching with the military.

Bayard’s impact on others is marked by his zest for life. He lived his life with abandon, loving family and friends deeply. He leaves those closest to him with unforgettable memories and we will cherish the privilege of knowing him.

Bayard is survived by his partner, Paula Rabon, Albemarle, NC, and his special step sons, Matthew (Hanh) Rabon and Mitchell Rabon, Albemarle, NC. His siblings Bianca (John) Norton, Blacksburg, VA, Barth Coggins, Eldorado, NC and Berinthia Allison, Clemson, SC. His aunts, Carlene Coggins, Eldorado, NC, Thyrza McCauley, Earlysville, VA and Libby Brooking, Durham, NC. His nieces and nephews Nicholas Norton, Eldorado, NC, Sarah Norton, Blacksburg, VA, Joshua Norton, Blacksburg, VA, Belinthia (Robert) Elder, Florence, SC, Adele (Luca) Kimbrell and James Allison, Clemson, SC.

A celebration of life will be held to honor Bayard's life and legacy on Saturday, July 27, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. at the Market Street Station, 501 W. Main St., Albemarle, NC 28001.

In lieu of flowers, you can honor Bayard’s memory through a donation to: Project Pawz https://projectpawzrescuenc.org/

Bumgarner Family Funeral Service is serving the family.