Joseph Monroe Coffey of Montross, VA passed away peacefully on March 24, 2016 at the age of 88. He is survived by his nieces and nephews, Patsy Dragwa (Tommy), Karen McGee (Steve Sass), Sharlene Wood (DanKaiser), Bill McGee (Nancy) and family friends and caregivers Butch and Shelagh Filkoski.
Born in Ashevile, NC, he was the youngest child of Joseph and Vonnie Coffey. He spent his early childhood roaming the grounds and rooms of the Biltmore Estate where his father was employed. He often recalled running through the gardens and playing with the Vanderbilt children.
A navy veteran, he served on the submarine tender U.S.S. Proteus during World War II and was honorably discharged in 1947.
After leaving the service, Joe worked in Detroit for the Packard Auto Plant for two years before moving to the Washington D.C. area. There he continued his Federal Service by working for Headquarters U. S. Marine Corps 14 years (where he met his future wife, Lorraine McGee), the U.S. Postal Service Headquarters for 7 years and the U.S. Veterans Administration for 12 years.
After retiring, Joe and Lorraine moved to Westmoreland county where they lived the last 33 years of their lives together. They made many friends over the years by welcoming them with open arms and always inviting you to come back and visit.
Last May, after many years of hosting, traveling, good friends, and a happy marriage of almost 50 years, Joe last his Lorraine. And although we have lost a true friend, we are consoled by the thought that he is back with his true love in the arms of our Lord.
There will be a memorial service on Thursday, March 31, with remembrance at 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. and a service at 7:00 p.m. at Welch Funeral Home, Montross, VA.
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