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Charles Coffey Obituary

Charles Edward Coffey, aged 81, of Shelbyville, TN, went home to be with the Lord on August 24, 2015, around 9:15 pm at his home. Services will be held on Saturday, August 29th at 1 pm at the First Christian Church of Shelbyville, TN. Charlie was born on June 28, 1934, in Bedford County to Gladys Victory and Dewey Coffey. Charlie was the 5th of 10 children. Charlie served in the Army, and was both a successful college football coach and businessman, as well as loving father and husband to 4 children. He last served as Head Football Coach at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, Va., and founder and owner of Nationwide Express Trucking Company before retiring. He was a proud grandfather of 10, and great grandfather of one. Charlie had been a member of First Christian Church sine he was 7 years old and a follower of Christ for as many years. Coffey was preceded in death by his parents and several of his siblings. He is survived by his wife of almost 60 years, Mai Coffey and his two daughters and two sons: Suzanne Mielke of Charlotte, NC, Cindi Johnson and husband Rush Johnson of Charlotte, Mike Coffey and wife Christy of Shelbyville, and David Coffey and wife Tanya, also of Shelbyville, TN. Survivors also include his treasured 10 grandchildren, Matthew Mielke of Charlotte, Meredith Crenshaw and husband Chas, of Greenville, SC, Charlie Coffey of Shelbyville, TN, Hunter Johnson of Daytona Beach, FL, Emily Feldbruegge and husband Adam, Peter Johnson of Charlotte, NC, Katherine Coffey of Nashville, Parker Johnson of Knoxville, TN, Allie Coffey of Shelbyville and Mary Elizabeth Johnson of Charlotte, NC. Charlie has one grandchild, Levi Crenshaw of Greenville, SC. Brothers and sisters: Preceded in death Marie Coffey and husband Robert King; Preceded in death Ray Coffey, survived by wife Evelyn; Survived by Dot Coffey, whose husband Quincy Dooley is deceased; Survived by Shirley Coffey, whose husband Frank Davis is deceased; Survived by Betty Coffey, whose husband Haywood Russell is deceased; Survived by Peggy Coffey and husband Herbie Gibson; Survived by Evelyn Coffey Methvin. Visitation with the family is Friday, August 28th at the First Christian Church at 4-7 pm and again from 12-1 pm the day of the funeral. Charlie's grandsons will serve as his pallbearers. The Reverend Tom Henry will officiate. Charlie died as he had lived, fighting. He was a good man and he made a difference. Memorials can be given to the First Christian Church of Shelbyville, TN. or the Church Street United Methodist in Knoxville, TN.

Published by The Advocate from Aug. 26 to Aug. 28, 2015.
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Memories and Condolences
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My deepest sympathy to you Mai and all your family. I have nothing but fond memories of Charlies. Charlie and I started playing ball together in the 8th grade and continued through high school. I was really proud of how well he performed at UT with football and his grades. I am proud Charlie was my friend and I am sure he made this world a better place. I thought all the Coffey children were great; I played softball with Ray and Herman and my brother was a classmate of Dot's. Mai I hope the Lord continues to bless you and your family.

Jack Sutton

September 1, 2015

CHARLIE WAS A TRUE GENTLEMAN.HE DID THE LITTLE THINGS TO MAKE A PERSON FEEL GOOD.A FINE FOOTBALL COACH AND TEACHER. MY CONDOLENCES TO HIS SPECIAL FAMILY .

RODNEY SEDWICK

August 28, 2015

My sincere sympathies to the Family. Please take comfort in knowing that God promises to swallow up death forever and wipe away tears from All faces.

Smith

August 27, 2015

My name is Richard Ginn a member of church street UMC in Knoxville ! Charlie gave us a $5,000. donation for an outreach Food Co- op ministry at Vestal . He was a wonderful caring person and our prayers are with your family . God bless .

Richard Ginn

August 27, 2015

Dearest Mai ..my mom and dad ....Margie and Stanley Galloway .... were so fond of Charlie . They always spoke of you both with a smile. I hope and believe you will find much comfort in your faith, family, and many wonderful memories. A friend in Baton Rouge was kind enough to send me the obituary....perry Snyder ... He lived next door to us on Charles street in Hammond. His dad is Harry Snyder and one of my dad s best friends. Dad always wished for someone like Charlie to be an assistant coach at Southeastern again. Bill and I so well remember seeing you both at a Tennessee game 15 years ago. You both were so the same and still lovely. Love, hope, and many blessings to you and all of your family. Noellynn Galloway Wade.

Noellynn Galloway Wade

August 27, 2015

I am writing to let you know I remember Charlie and Mai Coffey from their years in Hammond, La...He was a mighty fine football coach. with sympathy to Mrs. Coffey and the family, Sherry Galloway St Amand.

August 27, 2015

Charlie Coffey - our neighbor, our friend, and our brother in Christ. Jack & Sylvia Lacey

August 26, 2015

Charley was a fine Christian gentleman, I'm proud to have known him. My deepest sympathies to his family that he loved so much.

John Welsch

August 26, 2015

OFFERING PRAYERS FOR A FALLEN SOLDIER.

BARRY JARREAU

August 26, 2015

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