Ed (called Dude or Dooley by family) was born on March 18, 1931, to Wendell Holmes Coffey and Virginia Earl Crawford Coffey in Amherst. He was the middle child, having an older brother and younger sister.

He graduated from Natural Bridge High School in 1949. He grew up during the Depression. Times were tough and they worked hard on the farm.

He married Edith Higgins Coffey in November 1954 and they were married for 61 years. They had two children. He worked as a superintendent at Burlington for many years. He then worked for Smith’s Transfer until he retired. He really enjoyed driving tractor-trailers! He drove in state, but did take a trip out of state and loved seeing other parts of the United States. Ed loved farming too, which he did during the time he worked his “regular job,” and once he could farm full time, he was very happy. He and Edith worked together on the farm, which she enjoyed as much as he did.

Later when he was forced to cut back on farming, he loved helping James whenever he could - driving the tractor during hay time, or just riding along opening gates for him. He also liked it when Sadie, James and Tonya’s pup rode with them! It was a good day if he could just get out on the farm!

He and his family were members for many years of Ebenezer A.R. Presbyterian Church in Lexington. He was an elder of the church and Sunday school superintendent. He enjoyed VBS, which was always well-attended, and he will be remembered for leading the church in singing a Christmas song when they were not in the hymnals used there. He and Edith moved their membership to Falling Springs Presbyterian Church later and he taught the adult Sunday school class, which he enjoyed.

He read his Bible daily. He really liked Sunday morning when he could watch two hours of sermons.

He also enjoyed having family and Sadie come by and appreciated friends who stopped by to visit him. He always said to be ready to go home when God calls you, but until then appreciate and enjoy everyday he gives you and to look around and see what a beautiful world God has given us!

Ed was predeceased by his parents, his wife Edith, and his brother Lewis Dean Coffey.

Left to remember all the memories are his sister, Betty Coffey Jablonka; daughter, Kathy (Kim); son, Wendell Carlyle (Stephanie); four grandchildren, James Coffey (Tonya), Amanda Henry (Wayne), Lindsey Barham (Brandon), and Leslie Stenson. He also was survived by five great-grandchildren, Addison, Eric, Sara, Crawford and Brayleigh. He was also survived by many nephews and nieces, and special nieces Susan Kirby and Margo Giles.

Visitation will be Friday, Jan. 17, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Harrison Funeral Home. The service will be conducted Saturday, Jan. 18, at 2 p.m. at the funeral home by the Rev. Dr. Timothy Madison. Burial will follow at Falling Spring Presbyterian Church.

Arrangements are by Harrison Funeral Home & Crematory. NG