A loving husband, father, father-in law, grandfather, great grandfather, uncle, friend, and servant to the community.   Chief Bobby H. Coffey answered his last and final call on Sunday, October 13, 2024 as he was welcomed into heaven by his Lord and Savior.

Bobby was born June 24, 1938 in Watauga County to the late William "Will" G. Coffey and Elma Gragg Coffey. In addition to his parents he is preceded in death by five siblings, Odee Gragg, Christine Austin, Clara Miller, Chloe Henderson, and Willa Jean Church.

He began his firefighting career in 1958 as a volunteer at North Catawba Fire Department.  He began at Lenoir Fire Department full time in 1965. He was promoted to Captain over Fire Prevention in 1969.  He then worked as an Assistant Chief before becoming the Fire Chief until 2000.  His love and his dedication for his career, and the family of firemen that he worked with, was unbounded throughout his entire adult life.  He found great joy in his family and was always supportive and available for all events and special occasions.  His face would always light up when his precious grandchildren and their children would visit.

Those left to cherish his memory include his loving wife of 65 years Mary Rainey Coffey, of the home; one son, Ronnie G. Coffey (Jannah) of Hudson; one daughter, Beverly Bigelow (David) of Hudson; three beloved grandchildren, William G. Coffey (Tiffany), Jacob C. Bigelow (Jessie), and Mary B. Knight (Justin); four great-grandchildren, Colton Coffey, Jovie Knight, Mack Knight, and Eden Bigelow; and numerous nieces and nephews near and far.

The family will receive friends on Friday, October 18, 2024 from 10:00 to 11:45 A.M. at Greer-McElveen Funeral Home.

A graveside service will be held Friday, October 18, 2024 at 12:00 P.M. at Blue Ridge Memorial Park with Rev. Hoss Moore and Chaplin Jason Hines officiating.

Serving as pallbearers will be members of the Lenoir Fire Department.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Lenoir Fire Department, 602 Harper Ave, Lenoir, NC 28645.

The family would like to send out a thank you to the staff of Centerwell Home Health for the compassionate care provided to Mr. Coffey.

Online condolences may be left at www.greer-mcelveenfuneralhome.com

Greer-McElveen Funeral Home and Crematory is assisting the Coffey family.

Chief Coffey lived his life to honor the mission of the Lenoir Fire Department "constantly striving to improve the quality of life for the citizens of Lenoir".  He lived a life of honor and leaves behind a legacy of humble strength.