Cledis Coffey

Cledis Coffey, 88, a resident of Cleveland, passed away Saturday, April 13, 2013, two days before his 89th birthday. He was a member of Michigan Avenue Baptist Church for over 50 years. He was born on April 15, 1924 in Ranger, Georgia. As a young boy, he moved with his family to Savannah Farms in Delano, TN. He displayed such talent playing football for Polk County High School and Bradley High School, that he was encouraged to pursue a collegiate football career. As a member of "The Greatest Generation", he set aside his aspirations to proudly serve in the United States Marines during World War II. He was awarded the Navy Presidential Unit Citation for Extraordinary Heroism in Action. In later years he enjoyed traveling across the country to Marine Reunions, continuing lifetime friendships forged during the war years. He was preceded in death by his parents, Nettie and Cliff Coffey; brothers, Howard, DuVaughn and Frank Coffey. Cledis was a devoted family man and is survived by his wife of 65 years, Evelyn Haney Coffey; son, Darrell Coffey and wife, Pam; grandson, Eric Coffey and wife Amanda; great-granddaughter, Cary Lynn Coffey; special grandson, David Coffey, with whom he spent many patient hours teaching and nurturing. He is also survived by his siblings, Francine Haney and Max Coffey and wife, Loray; many valued nieces, nephews and extended family members. Funeral services will be conducted at 3:00 p.m. on Monday, April 15, 2013 in the chapel of Fike Funeral Home. Interment will follow in Sunset Memorial Gardens with military honors. Blake Copeland, Eddie Coffey, George O. Haney, Joseph Reed, Will Martin and Dwight Coffey will serve as pallbearers. A white dove release ceremony will conclude the service. His family will receive friends from 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 14, 2013 at the funeral home. The family suggests that memorials be made to; The Trousdale School, 3171 Hewitt Street, Cleveland, TN 37323 or The American Diabetes Foundation, 1701 N. Beauregard St., Alexandria, VA 22311. We invite you to send a message of condolence and view the Coffey family guestbook at wwwfikefh.com.