Ray Boyd Coffey

Retired Major Ray Boyd Coffey, Sr., 83, of Shalimar, Florida, passed away peacefully at his home November 22, 2024, surrounded by his wife and children. He was born in Lafayette, Georgia September 7, 1941 to Ray and Leona Coffey. Ray graduated from Auburn University and served his country in the United States Air Force and Civil Service. While active duty, he completed two tours in Vietnam, earning multiple service ribbons, including the Distinguished Flying Cross.

Ray is survived by his wife of sixty-one years, Arlene, formerly of Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina. He is also survived by his children and their spouses: Ray and Susie Coffey of Richmond, Virginia; Bryan and Lynn Coffey of Knoxville, Tennessee; and Beth and Tim Dodson of Clayton, North Carolina, as well as eight grandchildren and four great grandchildren. Ray was preceded in death by his parents.

The family would like to thank the staff of Fort Walton Beach Rehabilitation Center and Vitas Healthcare for their support during the last few months. An extra heartfelt thanks goes to Nene and Destahnee from Not Your Ordinary Caregivers for their help with Ray’s in-home care during his final weeks. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made as follows: In Memoriam, Retired Air Force Major, Ray Coffey, Ben Atchley Tennessee State Veterans Home-Activities Department, Attention-Terry Pate-Director, 1 Veterans Way, Knoxville, TN 37931.

The family will receive visitors Sunday, November 24, 2024 from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. at Davis Watkins Funeral Home, 113 Racetrack Road in Fort Walton Beach, Florida. Burial will take place at a later date in Roanoke Rapids, NC.