Coy Hudson Temples

Born October 11, 1936, Coy Hudson Temples of Dalton, Georgia passed away on Sunday, January 7, 2024. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, the former Martha Noel Benson of Statesboro, Georgia, and his children, William Hudson Temples of Charlotte, North Carolina, Robert Benson Temples of Dalton, Georgia, and John Ambrose Temples (Nhu Nguyen) of Brighton, Michigan, his grandsons, William McKensie Temples and Casey Andrew Temples of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Lawson Lanier Temples and Lehman Hudson Temples of East Lansing, Michigan, and granddaughter, Vy Nguyen Temples of Brighton Michigan, brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Robert Moore Benson, Jr. and Darby Adams Benson of Statesboro, Georgia, and sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Rebecca Benson Thompson and Billy Hilton Thompson of Raleigh, NC, nieces, Liz Thompson Bowen of Charlotte, North Carolina, Bess Benson Gill (Mike) of Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, and Kate Thompson McLamb (Stuart) of Raleigh, North Carolina, and a nephew, Robert Moore Benson lll (Anna) of Statesboro, Georgia. He is also survived by cousins, Tom Vann Willis of St. Simons Island, Georgia and William Albert Yeomans of Blue Ridge, Georgia. He was predeceased by his parents Coy Hudson Temples and Arretha Holloway Temples of Register, Georgia, as well as his uncle, William Lawson Holloway of Statesboro, Georgia.

He was a native of Register, Bulloch County, Georgia, a graduate of Gordon Military School, The Citadel, and Emory University School of Law. After graduating from The Citadel, he enlisted as a commissioned officer in the United States Army and later became a member of the 82nd Airborne, the 7th Special Forces Unit (the Green Berets), and the Ranger Battalion. He served in southeast Asia prior to the outbreak of the Vietnam War. Five and a half years later he resigned his commission and entered Emory University School of Law. After graduation, he moved to Dalton to join Mitchell and Mitchell Law Firm. In 1970  he “hung his own shingle” and practiced solo until he was joined, a few years later, by Robert B. Adams.

In 1973, a second judgeship was created by the legislature for the Conasauga Judicial District. In May of 1974, he was appointed Superior Court Judge by then Governor Jimmy Carter and joined Judge Robert Vining on the bench. As other judgeships were created, Coy became the chief judge of the circuit. He served the judiciary and citizens of Whitfield and Murray counties for 27 years, retiring in 2001.

He was an avid hiker and camper and hiked many sections of the Appalachian Trail as well as nearby mountain trails and trails off the Blue Ridge Parkway near Sparta, North Carolina. He instilled his love of hiking and the outdoors in his sons. He was a very hands-on dad. He also enjoyed bicycling and reading. He had a quick wit and dry sense of humor.

He was a member of the Dalton Rotary Club and the First Presbyterian Church, where he served as a Sunday School teacher, clerk of the session, and on many committees.

He loved his family and was very proud of them. He loved his church and was committed to our Lord Jesus Christ.

The family will receive friends in the Fellowship Hall of Christ Church Presbyterian from 10:00 a.m.-12:00 noon this Saturday, January 13, 2024. A memorial service will follow at 12:00 noon in the sanctuary of Christ Church Presbyterian. In lieu of flowers, please send memorial gifts to the Alzheimer’s Association (GA Chapter, 922 East Morris Street, Dalton, GA 30721).

The family would like to thank the caregivers at Walnut Creek Personal Care Home and North Georgia Community Hospice for their loving care.