Charles Edward Coffey

Charles Edward Coffey, 77, of Knoxville, Tennessee passed away on July 11, 2026. He lived with Parkinson’s Disease for approximately ten years. Charlie was proudly born and raised in Harriman, Tennessee and was a 1967 graduate of Oakdale High School. Charlie loved his family and friends and was known for his love of history and for sharing his many lifetime stories with anyone with a friendly ear. He worked for the government at the Oak Ridge plants for over 32 years. He was extremely proud of his considered accomplishments helping with projects such as the Seawolf submarine as well as the U.S. Aerospace plane. One of his side jobs was teaching square dancing and running his own square dance club called the Coffey Grinders. He loved calling dances for U.T. student clubs, churches, and Leadership Knoxville for 25 years. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Knoxville and especially loved listening to their choir.

He is preceded in death by his brother, Joe Coffey; parents, Jess and Nancy Coffey.

He is survived by his wife, Kathy Mays Coffey; his three children, Laura Gale (Willie) Hodge, Jennifer (Joseph) Langley, and Charles Joshua (Brittany) Coffey; granddaughter, Kara (Willis) Millican; great-granddaughter, Caroline, and his brother, Steve (Debbie) Coffey. The family would like to say a special thanks to Lifecare of Blount County for their professional and loving care they provided during his over four-year stay. They are now considered extended family.

Family and friends will gather to honor the life and legacy of Charlie, with a graveside service at Asbury Cemetery, 5100 Asbury Cemetery Road., Knoxville, TN 37914, on Saturday, July 25, 2026, at 10:30am, Family and friends are welcome to attend a receiving of friends following the graveside service at First Baptist Church of Knoxville, 510 W. Main St., Knoxville, TN 37902, where refreshments will be served. Dr. Doug White to officiate the service. In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made to PJ Parkinson’s of Knoxville, 4216 Sutherland Ave., Knoxville, TN 37919.