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Teddy "Ted" Alan Coffey

01/01/1948 - 01/05/2025

Text:

Obituary For Teddy "Ted" Alan Coffey

Teddy (Ted) Alan Coffey, 77, of Whitewright, Texas, passed away on January 5, 2025. Ted was born on January 1, 1948, to Dora Ethel Coffey and John Simpson Coffey. Ted’s parents migrated to Texas from Kentucky during the Great Depression, initially living on a farm in Ravenna, and eventually settling permanently in Sherman, where Ted was born. Ted graduated from Sherman High School in 1966 and enjoyed staying in contact with many of his classmates for the rest of his life. Following his high school graduation, Ted attended Grayson County College. Thereafter, he enlisted in the United States Navy where he served as a Petty Officer and radio operator on the USS Chicago in the Gulf of Tonkin during the Vietnam War. Ted married Velda Elaine Hunt in 1973, and he received his bachelor’s degree from East Texas State University in 1974.

Ted always aspired to live in the country after hearing stories from his parents and older siblings about “life on the farm.” Realizing those aspirations, Ted and Velda settled in Whitewright, Texas in 1981. Ted had a long and distinguished career as a division manager for a well-known pharmaceutical company while simultaneously running his family farm. Ted is admired by his family for his relentless work ethic. It was common to see him as a sharp-dressed businessman during the week, and a Wrangler-wearing rancher on the weekends. His personal tastes were just as varied – from poetry and literature to cattle, tractors, and trucks. Ted had a magnetic personality that could command a room. He enjoyed his work in pharmaceuticals, where he employed his undeniable charm, wit, and people skills.

Ted’s true love was his family. During their nearly 52-year marriage, Ted and Velda embodied the meaning of devotion and set an example of a true partnership in marriage. Working together on their farm, the couple taught their three children that anything can be accomplished with hard work, grit, and determination.

Ted will be greatly missed by anyone that knew him, but particularly by his wife, Velda Elaine Coffey, his children, Carrie Ellen Lowry, John Henry Coffey, Laura Elaine Jones, and their families.

The family will receive guests at the Dannel Funeral Home on Thursday, January 16, 2025, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Services will be held at the Dannel Funeral Home on Friday, January 17, 2025, at 1:00 p.m.

Services

16 Jan

Visitation

05:00 PM - 07:00 PM

Dannel Funeral Home Sherman, TX 75090 Get Directions »
17 Jan

Interment

West Hill Cemetery 1304 W. Lamar Sherman, TX 75092 Get Directions »
17 Jan

Funeral Service

01:00 PM - 02:00 PM

Dannel Funeral Home Sherman, TX 75090 Get Directions »
by Obituary Assistant

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Condolences

  • 01/14/2025

    Bill Cowan

    Thanks to a mutual friend, Eddie Carpenter, I became "political" friends with TED COFFEY . . . some of the "BESTEST" and fun times were shared with TED discussing and cussing politicians and politics in general !!! AM SO GLAD THAT TED GOT TO SEE "HIS" MAN retake the White House !!! TED COFFEE WAS A PATRIOT WHO LOVED HIS COUNTRY . . . so glad to have been his friend !

  • 01/13/2025

    Cheryl Bradley Riley

    Coffey family I am so sorry for your loss. Teddy I called him from childhood on was a great friend. I will cherish our friendship all through school. My prayers to his family Cheryl Bradley Riley

  • 01/13/2025

    Edmond Belz

    Ted was a colleague with Bayer Pharmaceuticals and dear friend for over 25 years. Even though, I lived in San Antonio our friendship grew with weekly phone calls and interactions at Regional and National meetings. I could always count on Ted's support and friendship. In fact it was our friendship and support, that helped us make it through the company transition from Bayer to Schering Pharmaceuticals. Ted was fun to be around because he had a great sense of humor. I'll miss his smile and jokes because when he told a joke he was the first one to laugh. Unfortunately, after we both retired, we did not stay in touch as often. I am grateful to God for bringing a dear friend like Ted into my life. He will be missed all who came in contact with him. My sincere sympathy to Velda and the family. May God give you comfort knowing he is in heaven.

  • 01/13/2025

    Bill Goodwin

    Velda and the Coffey Family, I am so sorry to hear of Ted's passing. I know he will be sorely missed by everyone who knew him. My deepest condolences to you and the Coffey family . I pray that you and your family find comfort remembering all the wonderful times you shared with Ted. I know it has given me comfort. Through the later part of high school and before he enlisted into the Navy, we were the best of friends. If we were not working together at Safeway or at the IBM plant, we were sharing so many adventures together. It would be impossible for me to write about all the times we smiled and laughed together. They were so many and priceless. A year after Ted joined the Navy, I also joined. After our discharges, our paths in life took different directions. Ted remained in Texas and I moved to California. Whenever we were able to visit, we laughed and smiled just like old times. Velda, I feel blessed, as I know you and family are by having Ted in our life. I know he was a loving and devoted husband and father as he was also the best of friend. Bill Goodwin

  • 01/09/2025

    Danny Clark

    I was only 9 or 10 years old when I met Uncle Ted for the first time. For me Ted was one of those rare souls that could just really light up a room with his personality. Ted had such a great sense of humor. When my dad and Ted got together (both Navy Veterans) I would always look forward to what stories they had to tell next because they were always so entertaining. When my mom passed away it was Ted with his own special way with words that helped me through that rough time of my life. Ted was a great man that I always looked up too and admired. I think we all have favorites in our lives and Ted will always be that one man that stood out above everyone to me. My heart goes out to Aunt Velda, Carrie, John and Laura, you are all in my prayers.

  • 01/09/2025

    Robin Zegen

    I'm so sorry for your loss. I wish you peace and comfort as you remember Ted.

  • 01/09/2025

    Denny Jeter

    I am saddened to hear of Ted's passing and I offer my deepest sympathy to Velda and family. Ted and I were lifelong friends, having been schoolmates and teammates, from elementary school through Grayson County College. Regret the distance between Missouri and Whitewright prevented us from staying as close as I'd like in our adult years. My prayer is God welcomes Ted home and continues to bless and comfort those grieving his passing. Denny Jeter

Tributes

  • Peace & Serenity Dishgarden

    Sherry A Coffey sent Peace & Serenity Dishgarden for Teddy "Ted" Alan Coffey - 01/15/2025

    With my deepest sympathy Sherry Coffey

  • With Distinction

    Wendy Shepard sent With Distinction for Teddy "Ted" Alan Coffey - 01/15/2025

    Our deepest sympathy for the loss of such a wonderful husband, father and grandfather. May God bless and comfort you all in this time of great loss. Doug and Wendy Shepard

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