Frederick Ray Coffman

Frederick Ray Coffman Life Memories
Frederick Ray Coffman, recently of Brevard County, Florida and formerly of Palm Beach County, Florida, passed away in his sleep on Thursday, February 28, 2024. He was born in Sardis, Harrison County, West Virginia on June 25, 1928. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Ellen Rada Funk Coffman in 2018.
Frederick is survived by his children, Linda Coffman Maticia, Brenda Coffman Gamboa, and Edward Coffman and beloved daughter-in-law Nelly Moran Coffman, all of Florida. Frederick's grandchildren include: Angela Sturm Harrigan and Greg Harrigan, John Sturm, Suzanna Greenbank Johnson and Robert Johnson, Daniel Greenbank, Tyler Coffman and Alexander Coffman. He also has six great-grandchildren: Shaylin Salyer, Braeden Salyer, Alvar Greenbank, Connor Harrigan, Kensingtyn Johnson and Reef Sturm. Frederick loved spending time with his family and friends, and the Coffman household hosted many family gatherings.
Frederick was in the U.S. Navy for 20 years, achieving the rank of Electronics Technician, Chief Petty Officer. Some of his stations included Key West, Florida, New Orleans, Louisiana, Norfolk and Virginia Beach, Virginia, where he was stationed on various ships, and Holy Loch, Scotland, before retiring. His ships toured with the Atlantic Fleet, with ports in many Mediterranean Countries, the Caribbean, and up and down the Eastern coast of the U.S.
After retirement in 1966, Frederick worked for many more years for companies creating new technology, such as designing circuit boards for the coal mines in West Virginia, and regulators for the ovens for Kentucky Fried Chicken stores. He was at the forefront of the newest computer technology while in the Navy and with his civilian companies in West Virginia. He retired again in 1990, then spent a few more years in West Virginia. Fred and Ellen moved to Palm Beach County, FL, where his son Eddie and family lived in 1995. Eventually his daughters and several grand and great-grand children moved into South Florida as well.
Frederick enjoyed his retirement, traveling with Ellen and family members, keeping up with his grandsons Tyler and Alex as they grew up nearby, gardening, playing horseshoes with neighbors weekly, attending the Methodist church in Boynton Beach, and joining family for birthdays, holidays, graduations, and weddings. He was well loved by all who met him, did not know a stranger, and imparted wisdom that was sound and heartfelt when asked to do so. His family and friends will miss Frederick, Dad, Uncle Bud, dearly, and treasure our memories of his full and happy life.