Ricky Mervin Coalley

Ricky Mervin Coalley, age 67, of Tiger, passed away on Tuesday, December 30, 2025.

Mr. Coalley was born on April 15, 1958, to the late Gene and Mary Ida Welborn Coalley. He was also preceded in death by his brother, David and Eugene Coalley and sisters, Helen and Vicky Coalley.

Ricky was a lifetime member of Mt. Calvary Baptist Church, where his faith and service to the Lord were the foundation of his life. He dedicated more than 40 years to serving his community, working security for Mountain Patrol, serving with both the Clayton and Lakes Fire Departments, and giving his time to the rescue squad as a founding member. Ricky was also a 40-year member of the Sheriff’s Association, a CPR instructor, and a countywide fire school instructor, always eager to teach and help others. Above all, Ricky loved the Lord, cherished time spent with his family, and held a deep love for Rabun County and its mountains. He was known for his love of friends, his playful sense of humor, and his talent for making jokes and aggravating those around him—all in good fun—because his greatest joy was making people happy and bringing a smile to their faces.

Survivors include his wife, Debra Coalley; daughters, Holly Harding and Richelle Hartwell (Trey); grandchildren: Zain Harding, Sa’Ameri Hartwell, Isaiah Hartwell, and Alayah Hartwell; brother, Kenneth Coalley; sister, Tracey Coalley-Barcenas; sister-in-law, Janet Benfield (John); brother-in-law, Jesse Chamblee; nephews: Bryar Coalley (Rebecca), Josh Sutton, and Brandon Coalley; and numerous other nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 3, 2025, at 2:00 pm at Mount Calvary Baptist Church with Rev. Robin Welborn and Pastor Adam Wright officiating. Interment will follow in Pickett Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 6-8 pm on Friday, January 2, 2025, at Hunter Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Hunter Funeral Home, P.O. Box 653, Clayton, Georgia 30525, to help with final expenses.

Hunter Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Ricky Coalley.

Condolences may be shared at www.hunterfuneralhomega.com or may contact us at (706) 782-4243 for any further questions.