James Alan “Big Al” Coggins

James Alan “Big Al” Coggins, 59, a resident of Luverne, passed away suddenly on Monday, Jan. 22. Funeral services for Big Al will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 26, at Cornerstone Christian Fellowship with Rev. Steve Defee officiating and his son, Cley Coggins, delivering the eulogy. Interment will follow in Mt Ida Cemetery with Turners Funeral Home of Luverne directing. The family will receive friends at the church on Friday from 12:30 to 2 p.m.. 

First and foremost, Big Al loved his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, with all of his heart. He gave his life to the Lord in July of 2021 and has since been a faithful member of Cornerstone Christian Fellowship where he loved spending not only Sundays with his church family but also Wednesday night Bible studies, which were so often held around the fire pit. Of course, Big Al was usually up for nearly anything you wanted him to do as long as it was outside. Like most men of the South, he loved spending time hunting and fishing, plus he thoroughly enjoyed working out that green thumb he inherited from his mama when it came to planting trees and flowers. He had a quiet and endearing persona, which served him well in the 28 years he worked with the City of Luverne. Many likely were unaware of just how creative and talented he was, whether it was making knives, drawing, or teaching himself the guitar, there was little Big Al couldn’t do once he set his mind to it. Maybe he was just incapable of being still for too long, but a curious mind and a willingness to learn are truly valuable traits to have. 

Big Al also had an eclectic taste in music as he really just loved how it made him feel, but he had definitely gravitated more towards Contemporary Christian in the last couple of years. In fact, one of his goals in teaching himself to play the guitar was that he would be able to share that love with his church family. Big Al also had a deep appreciation for history and genealogy, finding them endlessly fascinating. Above all, he was a devoted husband, father, and brother who was a beloved member of not only his family, but also his church and his community at large. Words cannot express the sadness and shock at his loss, but comfort can be found in not only the lifetime of memories made together but also the knowledge that he has received his heavenly reward. 

Big Al was preceded in death by his parents, Jimmy and Raye Taylor Coggins. He is survived by his loving wife of almost 34 years, Vicki Coggins; their son, Cley Coggins; siblings, Larry (Janice) Coggins and Tina (Ernie) Bell; and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members, friends, and co-workers. 

Active pallbearers will be Billy Crumpton, Bradley Gorey, Tito Payne, Cley Coggins, Larry Coggins, and Walter Gomillion.