Joseph D Coffman

Joseph D Coffman was born near Athens, Alabama on December 31, 1940, to a large family of farmers. Joe went to home to be with the Lord on Sunday morning, February 2, 2025 at the age of 84.

He had an impressive, and sometimes secretive, career spanning five decades at Martin Marietta, later Lockheed Martin, as an aerospace engineer.

After a childhood on the move, Joe moved to Orlando. He also spent time in Huntsville, Alabama; Northern Germany; Chambersburg, Pennsylvania; Trulben, Germany; Goldsboro, North Carolina; Phoenix, Arizona; and along the Suwannee River in Branford, Florida. In 1986, he designed and built a home on Lake Apopka in Winter Garden where he enjoyed watching the vivid sunsets from his backyard.

He had a love of learning, studying the news as often as his Bible. He enjoyed golfing, camping, good food, good music, and was happiest being near the water.

A devoted Atlanta Braves fan, he followed every game. In football, he cheered for Alabama-unless they were playing Florida State, proud of his granddaughter's time there. He enjoyed a long retirement, spending precious time with his kids and grandkids, and using his dry wit and humor to coin many "Joe-isms" his family often repeats with joy. He had a lifelong soft spot for animals and loved spoiling them almost as much as his grandkids, earning him many devoted companions over the years.

Joe was a proud Baptist and last attended West Orlando Baptist Church in Winter Garden. He thanked God for his family and asked for blessings on them daily.

Joe joins in heaven his parents, several siblings, and his loved son, Christopher Lee Coffman. He is survived by his loving wife of 47 years, Marshá; children Gary Coffman, Chris (Kathy) Howell, and Tammy (Ben) Carson: grandchildren Hayley (Joshua) Landingham, and Hayden Carson, several siblings, nieces, and nephews, and his loyal dog, Sadie.

Even though we have to say goodbye for now, the light Joe brought into our lives never dimmed and never will: it shines on in all of us.

We will be gathering to celebrate a life well-lived at Baldwin-Fairchild Funeral Home in Winter Garden on Friday, February 7 at 3 p.m., with visitation beginning at 2 p.m.