Franklin Delano Coffey

Mr. Franklin Delano Coffey of Panama City Florida, devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather went to be with the Lord on 14 September 2024. Frank was born 07 November 1936 in a coal mining camp known as Affinity, West Virginia. Frank is survived by his wife Bobbie (Cater) Coffey, two sons Brian Coffey (Sherry) of Panama City, and David Coffey (Sandy) of Jesup, Georgia as well as numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was predeceased by his father Horace Coffey, his mother Polly Canonico, step-father Nicholas Canonico, and one grandson Nick Coffey.
Frank grew up and was educated in the coal mining districts of West Virginia and in Berwick, Pennsylvania. At 17 years of age, he joined the United States Air Force serving for 21 years and retiring as a Tech Sergeant. During his military career he served with the US Air Force Security Police and as a Small Arms Instructor – Firearms. He earned an Associate Degree in Police Standards from Gulf Coast Junior College.
Following his retirement from the Air Force in 1975 Frank continued serving his country as a senior firearms instructor at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center, in Glynco, Georgia between the years of 1976 and 1989. During his time working at Glynco, his hobby was competing in Marksmanship matches. He won the State of Georgia Police Revolver Championship two years in a row in 1979 and 1980. And in 1981 he was on the team that won the National Police Revolver Championships in Davenport, Iowa. He also won many other marksmanship competitions and awards over the years.
In 1989 Frank accepted a transfer with Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers to their facility in Artesia, New Mexico to serve as Assistant Chief of Firearms Division there in Artesia and in Marana, Arizona. He retired from FLETC in 1991 and moved back to Panama City.
However, this retirement was to be short lived. Immediately following the terror attacks of September 11, 2001 Frank was called back into service at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in Artesia to assist with training programs for the rapidly expanding Federal Air Marshal Service. He gladly served his country in this capacity until finally retiring again in 2002.
In 1974, while serving a tour of duty at Tyndall Air Force Base, Frank married his beloved wife, Bobbie of Panama City. For more than 50 years they enjoyed a deep companionship, making many happy memories traveling this beautiful country together. In addition to travel Frank enjoyed woodworking in his retirement years. He was well loved and respected among his many brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews. He and Bobbie hosted many large and wonderful family gatherings through the years. He was generous, helpful, and always had time to talk and share an encouraging word.
All of us were blessed to have him in our lives. We love you and we will miss you mightily Frank Coffey! Until we meet again.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, September 21, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at Heritage Funeral Home, with Rev. David Nichols officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.