William Coffey

COFFEY, WILLIAM BILL S. Memorial services are scheduled for 2:00 p.m., Saturday, May 14, 2011 at LaGrone Funeral Chapel for William Bill S. Coffey, age 93, of Roswell who passed away on May 10, 2011. The Roswell Masonic Low 12 will officiate and assisted by the Roswell Veterans Honor Guard.

Bill was born in Paducah, TX to Eva Conner Coffey and Salathiel Coffey both deceased. He was married to Ruth DeArmond in 1938, she preceded him in death. Three sisters Laura Trees, Francis Adkins and Lionel Bain, all have preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by his son William Glenn Coffey.

Survivors include his daughter Marilyn Wilson and husband Jerry of Hillsboro, Oregon Grandchildren, Starla Nunez and husband Henry of Roswell, New Mexico Connie Secolo Wilson and husband Ted of Hillsboro, Oregon Stuart Wilson and wife Melinda of Hillsboro, Oregon Brian Wilson and wife Liane of Hillsboro, Oregon Molly Wilson of Hillsboro, Oregon Great Grandchildren, Heidi Killgo of Roswell, New Mexico Trevor and Taryn Nunez of Roswell, New Mexico Abraham and Elizabeth Wilson, Cloe and Oskar Wilson, Ezra Wilson all of Hillsboro, Oregon greatgreat grandchildren, Alexa Tegeda and Gabriel Miller of Roswell, New Mexico and Tahney Barela of Albuquerque, New Mexico. Very special lady friend and longtime companion Connie Florez of Roswell, New Mexico.

Bill moved to Amarillo, Texas at a very early age and graduated from Amarillo High School. He was a member of the 1935 Amarillo High School State Football Championship team. He was also a member of the track team and boxing team. He continued his education at Amarillo College. He later moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico and worked for Lever Bros. Co as first territory salesman. He later worked for Lipton Tea Co. as territory salesman. Bill joined the Navy to serve his country as member of Amphibious Forces.

He returned and worked for Eames Produce Co. He then began his sales position with Folgers Coffee. He was mentioned in Ripleys Believe it or Not while employed there for 1 territory in the United States and 1 sales representative. He then worked for Burkett Paper Co. that brought his roots to Roswell as territory salesman. He then opened his own business Billco Paper Company and continued to serve southeastern New Mexico and west Texas as a very dedicated salesman for about 20 years.

Bill became very involved in community work he spent over twenty years as a referee in the Golden Glove State and National Tournaments. He was a Hospice volunteer. He was credited for helping to start Little League Baseball in Roswell and had a very large part in the building of what is now known as Eastside Little League Field. He was also coach of a Little League Team that won so many games he was asked to divide the team and give some of his players to other teams.

Bill was a member of the Roswell Elks Lodge 969, Masonic Lodge 18 and became a Shriner in 1951. He was Shriner of the year for the state of New Mexico in 2000. He was the proud holder of Fifty Year pins for each of these organizations including the Shriners where every Shriner is a Mason. He was coorganizer of The Shrine Oriental Band. His most touching work was that of the chairman of the Shriners Children Hospital Admissions. He touched many lives and helped numerous children received medical attention they could not afford.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Shriners Childrens Hospital or Masonic Building Fund, P.O. Box 1512, Roswell, NM 882021512.

When tomorrow starts without me,
And I am not here to see
If the sun should rise and find your
Eyes filled with tears for me

I wish so much you wouldnt cry
The way you did today
While thinking of the many things
We didnt get to say

I know how much you love me
As much as I love you
And each time you think of me
I know youll miss me to

But when tomorrow starts without me
Please try to understand
That Jesus came and called my name
And took me by the hand

And said my place was ready
In heaven far above
And that Id have to leave behind
All those I dearly love

So when tomorrow starts without me
Dont think were far apart
For every time you think of me
Im right here in your heart.

Friends may pay respects online at www.lagronefuneralchapels.com

Arrangements are under the direction of LaGrone Funeral Chapel.

Service

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