Jack Nelson Coffey Sr.

Mr. Jack Nelson Coffey Sr., 79, of Valdosta, Ga., passed away on April 4, 2009. Mr. Coffey was born on March 6, 1930 in Latonia, Ky. to Charles and Myrtle Coffey. He was born the youngest of three children. Mr. Coffey grew up in Cincinnati, Ohio and graduated from Woodward High School. After high school, Mr. Coffey entered the United States Air Force and honorably served his nation as a World War II member of the occupation force serving in both Japan and Germany. He also served in the Korean and Vietnam War.While stationed at Moody Air Force Base, Mr. Coffey met and married Mary Catherine Pendleton and along the way had five children.During his time in the service, Mr. Coffey attended and graduated in 1960 from the Florida State University with a BS Degree. He also graduated from the University of Illinois earning his Masters degree. After 20 years of service, he retired from the Air Force.After retirement, Mr. Coffey was appointed as the first Assistant Principal hired at that time to the Valdosta City School System. He worked at Valdosta Jr. High School and went on to be an Assistant Principal at Valdosta High School.Mr. Coffey was a member of the First Christian Church in Valdosta. He served as an Elder and served off and on 30 years as a church board member.Through his lifetime, Mr. Coffey enjoyed golfing, flying, hunting, deep sea fishing and had a private pilots license. He was also an amazing cook.Mr. Coffey was preced in death by his loving wife, Mary Catherine Coffey, his parents Charles and Myrtle Coffey and two brothers James and Gene Dean.Survivors who will cherish his memory include his children, Jack Jr., Cathy Cordell (Billy), Jim (Shannon), Martica Sharpless (Andrew) and Shawn (Barbara). Mr. Coffey also leaves behind six loving grandchildren; Ben, Sam and Caroline Coffey, Ali and Ashley Sharpless and Sean Coffey. Other loving family members are: in-laws, Jean and Joe Wilson and Susan and Bob Everett. Mr. Coffey's nephews include Jody and Jay Wilson, Freddie and Bill Pendleton and Tommy Gaines. His nieces are Suzanne Everett Unger and Ginger Gaines Shurer.Funeral services will be held Wednesday, April 8, 2009 at 2 p.m. at the First Christian Church with the Rev. Chris Michael officiating. Burial will follow in Sunset Hill Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. this evening at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to First Christian Church, Morningside Baptist Church or Campus Crusade for Christ. Condolences to the family may be expressed online at mclanefuneralservices.com. — Carson McLane Funeral Home.