DuVaughn Coffey

James DuVaughn Coffey, 84, a resident of Cleveland, passed away Saturday, January 27, 2007 in a local hospital. He was an avid racecar fan, hunter and fisherman. He was a member of the First Baptist Church. He was a Deacon and Sunday School teacher all his adult life. He retired from Bowater after 25 years. He was the founder and organizer of the first Ruritan Club in Cleveland, TN at Oak Grove. He was the organizer of the first Black Ruritan Club in the nation. He served as past National President, past Governor, and Lt. Governor of the Ruritan National. He was a veteran of the U. S. Army, having served during World War II. He was involved in battles in Normandy, Northern France, Ardennes, Rhinelane, and Central Europe. He was awarded ribbons from the American Theater, Good Conduct, Victory, and EAME with five Bronze Stars. He received an Honorable Discharge as Staff Sergeant.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Cliff and Nettie Coffey; son, Jimmy Coffey; brothers, Frank Coffey and Howard Coffey; and granddaughter, Tiffany Lynn Coffey.

Survivors include his wife of 60 years, Sara Lou Coffey; children and their spouses, Phyllis Coffey Martin and husband Gary, Dwight Coffey and wife Vickie, Lynn Coffey and wife Debbie, and Renee Coffey May and husband Mark, all of Cleveland; grandchildren, Will Martin, Candace Leslie, Brandon Coffey, Misti Coffey, Justin Coffey, Katie May, and Alivia Coffey; one great grandson, Kole Leslie; brothers and their spouses and sister, Cledis and Evelyn Coffey, Max and Loray Coffey, and Francine Coffey Haney.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday at 7 p.m. at Grissom Funeral Home with Dr. Allan Lockerman officiating. Interment will be held Wednesday at 10 a.m. at Fort Hill Cemetery with Rev. Tom Moncrief officiating. Will Martin, Brandon Coffey, Justin Coffey, Gary Martin, Mike Gee, Mark May, Mark Goins, Larry Spence, and Jeff Spence will serve as pallbearers.

The family will receive friends Tuesday from 4-7 p.m. at the funeral home prior to the service.

For additional information, phone 476-8575 or to send an online condolence to the family, visit www.grissomfh.net.