Earl Joseph “EJ” Coffey, age 66, passed away on November 2, 2022. He was born in Kingsport, TN, on February 7, 1956 as the youngest child to Earl and Hazel Coffey.
EJ served four years in the army after graduating from Dobyns-Bennett High School. He spent time serving in Germany and Washington State.
He was a pipefitter for several years before opening Coast 2 Coast Mechanical, where he was his own boss. Anyone who knew him, knows that’s just the way he liked it.
EJ was a loving and supportive father to his only child Katie (husband James) Southerland. He was also an avid Tennessee Vols fan and loved hosting tailgate football parties.
When he retired, he enjoyed spending time and fishing with his friends Barry, Roger and Randy. He enjoyed breakfasts with Bobby Jo.
Family was the most important thing to him and he loved hosting cookouts and family reunions. He was a staple at every family event and will be greatly missed.
He also had two grandchildren that meant the world to him. Emma (EJ) and Noah loved exploring with their papaw on his property and will miss his jokes and laughter.
EJ was preceded in death by his parents Earl and Hazel Coffey; Katies mom, Teri Coffey; brothers, William Coffey (Goldie), JK Coffey, Richard Coffey (Wanda); brother-in-law, Charles Meeks; sister-in-law, Beverly Coffey; sisters, Mae Johnson (Harrison), Beulah McDavid (Alvin), Mary Jo Kinser (Elvin), Ruby Short (Frank), Patricia Barrett (Archie) and Angie Tonker (Carl). He was also preceded in death by two of his best friends, Bobby Kinsler and Randal Henard.
EJ is survived by his daughter Katie and her husband James. EJ was so grateful for James coming into Katie and Emma’s lives. EJ is also survived by his sisters, Faye Coffman (Nolan), Judy Meeks, Ruth Dove (C.H.); brother, Roy and special niece, Della Bishop. EJ leaves behind a multitude of nieces and nephews, cousins and friends to cherish his memory.
The family will receive friends from 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM, Thursday, November 10, 2022, at Dillow-Taylor Funeral Home. Graveside services will follow at 2:00 PM, at Mountain Home National Cemetery with Mr. Kevin Wilson officiating.
Pallbearers will be Barry Moody, Roger Moore, Dennis Housewright, Ronnie Coffey, Larry Coffey, Brad Bishop and Randy Bishop. Honorary Pallbearers will be, Chris Coffey, Shane Frost and John Davis.
11/17/2022
Curtis and Beth Joyner
We just found out today that EJ passed. We are very sorry for your loss. We are thinking of you guys especially Katie and sweet Emma Jean. We know how hard this is for you guys. We hope your wonderful memories of EJ will help with the overwhelming grief. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Love to all of you.
Please accept my condolences I have been a friend of E J ‘s for over 50 years he will be missed , prayers for all who knew him
You are such a sweet man!! You will be missed by many!! I am so blessed to have known you most of our lives!!! Take care of Katie, Emma and the rest of the family!!! This is not goodbye. It’s a I will see you later!! With all my love, Barbara ?❤️?
EJ was the best uncle you would ever dream of having. He truly loved everyone in his family, and he made sure that everyone knew it! I have SO many great memories of him, too many to mention. EJ you will forever be in my heart ❤️
Loved you for 45 yrs Cowboy. You will always be forever in my thoughts and heart. We sure did have some good times. You were my forever best friend. I miss you already.
11/06/2022
Sandy Blankenbeckler
EJ sure will be missed by all that knew him. I don't think he ever met a stranger. He sure did Love having cookouts with his friends. We always had the best time with him. Sending prayers for all
