Ernie Bruce Coffey

Ernie Bruce Coffey, 78, of Owensboro, went to be with the Lord, Wednesday, February 10, 2016. He was born May 1, 1937 in Whitesville, son of the late Ernie and Ethel Foster Coffey. Bruce was Service Superintendent at Atmos Energy Corp. (formerly Western Ky. Gas Co.) where he retired from after 30 years. He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Howard Coffey, sister Retha Coffey, and a grandson, Jacob Bruce Helwig.

Bruce graduated from Daviess County High School in 1956. He played on Daviess County High's first football team. He also attended Brescia College and was a Kentucky Colonel. Bruce loved sports and spent many years as coach of his daughters' softball teams. He was responsible for starting the first girls 10 and under softball team in Daviess County.

Bruce was a member of the Utica Baptist Church for many years and attended both Buena Vista Baptist Church and Owensboro Christian Church. He was a veteran of the U. S. Army. He loved traveling and visits to his favorite place, the Smoky Mountains. He also enjoyed antique cars, fishing, working in his yard, gospel music, watching his grandsons play sports, and was an avid U.K. basketball fan.

Survivors include his wife of 57 years, Nina Burdette Coffey, two daughters, Tina Helwig and husband Glenn and Gina Dailey and husband Kyle, and grandsons, Nathan Kyle Dailey and Ethan Thomas Dailey, and a sister-in-law, Brenda Maddox Coffey, all of Owensboro, and one niece and 2 nephews. A very special friend whom he was caregiver for, Stephen Fielding also survives.

Services will be 2:00 P.M. Saturday, February 13, at Glenn Funeral Home and Crematory. Burial will follow in Rosehill Cemetery. Visitation will be from 2:00-8:00 P.M. Friday and after 11:00 A.M. Saturday at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Heartford House, c/o Hospice of Western KY, 3419 Wathens Crossing, Owensboro, KY 42301. Condolences to the family may be placed at www.glennfuneralhome.com.