Thomas Madrye Coggins passed away peacefully July 22, 2016 at his home, The Bridges, in Riverview, FL. His loving wife of 56 years, Aline Linton Coggins predeceased him in 2009. His sister Freda Holman and brother-in-law Lt. Col. Albert Holman predeceased him. He is survived by his children, Stephen Coggins O'Brien (Cathy); Debra Wawrzyniakowski (Tom) and Karen Coggins (Brian); his grandchildren Matthew, Nicholas and Kelsey; and, his great-grandchildren, Amanda, Sarah and Ryan.

Tom was born July 24, 1918 in St. Marks, FL, the son of Steve and Birdie Coggins. His father was a commercial fisherman and his mother was employed at the Florida State Department in Tallahassee. Along with his sister, Audrey Freda, Tom was raised by loving, hardworking parents during an era considered among the harshest times in our country.

Tom excelled at the U.S, Naval Academy, Annapolis, MD, and graduated in December 1941 as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Marine Corps. He served in the 7th Defense Battalion, in British Samoa, and on the USS Shangri-La aircraft carrier during the atomic bomb tests in the Pacific. The war over, he returned to the U.S. Naval Academy, then the10th Marines, an artillery regiment, at Camp Lejeune, NC, and later to the 11th Marines, another artillery regiment, for Korean duty, from Inchon to the Chosin Reservoir, earning a Bronze Star. Duty followed as a battalion commander at Camp Pendleton, CA, then to HQ U.S. European Command in Paris, France, as their Staff Intelligence Officer. He attended Senior School at Quantico, VA before serving with the Second Marine Division, Camp Lejeune, NC, where he was selected to the task force testing a new Fast Landing Force in an all-helicopter operation.

After retiring in November 1961, as a Lt. Colonel, he settled in Panama City Beach, FL with his wife Aline and daughters Debra and Karen. For a few years, he was an instructor of Electrical Engineering at Gulf Coast College, until the Naval Mine Defense Laboratory hired him as Sr. Electrical Engineer on the underwater Sea Lab programs for the Department of Navy. In November 1976, Tom retired from Federal service, but, soon he was pursued and selected as Project Engineer for contracting firm, the Naval Coastal Department Laboratory in Panama City Beach, FL. He eventually did "officially" retire to pursue travel and leisure time with wife, "Allie", his guiding light and partner in life for 56 years. Together, they traveled the world enjoying new experiences and trying their luck at gambling. They enjoyed time with her brothers, George and Larry Linton along with their families, conspiring about where the best hunting and fishing areas were, where one of the many family reunions should be held at, and which casino offered the best odds. They loved dancing, gardening, fishing, hunting, games and card-playing. Tom was a voracious writer, he wrote poetry, music and several books, and working on puzzles. A moving force of creativity, he loved working with his hands, calculating odds in horse and dog racing, dabbled in taxidermy, woodworking, and was even a champion ping pong player. His love of adventure and life took his family on many memorable adventures, instilling in his son Stephen, daughters, Debra and Karen, to charge at life and all of its possibilities with a positive attitude.

His son, Stephen attended The Citadel and University of Maryland, worked in radio and commercials across the country for over 30 years and settled in New York, NY, with his wife, Cathy. His daughter, Debra has more than 30 years of Federal service. His daughter, Karen, has a long and accomplished career with Tampa Electric. Both daughters and families reside in the Valrico and Riverview areas in FL. Steve's son, Major Matthew G. Bishop, a retired fighter pilot in the U.S. Air Force, settled in Midland, MI.

Tom and Allie moved into to The Bridges Retirement Community, Riverview, FL, in 2009, where they were loved by both resident and staff members who appreciated their cheerful, optimistic attitudes. They looked forward to family gatherings at holidays and enjoyed their shopping trips to thrift shops finding the next big bargain. Tom would open his door to play music of their era for all to enjoy and became known as "The Music Man" at The Bridges. He was the epitome of an "officer and a gentleman" so proud to have served in the Marine Corps and was passionately devoted to his country, staying current with politics and ready to voice his opinions and concerns when asked. He was enthusiastically involved with interests and goals of his children and grandchildren, listening and offering words of wisdom and comfort. He looked forward to college football season every year, often watching re-runs of the games when it was off-season. Tom was a voracious reader and wrote poetry, music and several books.

He will be remembered for his cheerful face and contagious laugh, his love of all things chocolate, his music playing for all to enjoy, his love of Coca-Cola, ice cream, and slathering hot sauce on all his meals. Tom often said he had "never been bored a day in my life" and we knew this was the way he lived his life with an amazing, positive strength that carried him through both challenging and joyous times. Tom will be missed on earth, but he will be our guiding light in heaven.

The family request any donations should be sent to LifePath Hospice, 3010 W. Azeele St., Tampa, FL 33609. A private ceremony will be held with the family.