CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) — A popular coach at Monacan High School passed away Monday. Danny Parsons, the school’s athletic director confirmed to 8News that former football coach Bill Coffey, 69, has died. Coffey coached the Chiefs’ freshmen from 2004-2014.
According to Parsons, Coffey found out that he was in need of a lung transplant last week. His daughter, Melinda Carson, teaches at the school and grandson, Garrett, currently plays on the volleyball team. A few seasons ago, he had the opportunity to coach another grandson, Anthony Carson, on the football team.
Anthony remembers his grandfather as a great man.
“He was a coach first to me throughout my entire life, from when I was just a little kid,” he said. “But as I got older, I realized that he wasn’t just a coach to me or wasn’t just my grandfather, but he was really my best friend. I love him forever.”
Another former player says what Coach Coffey taught him off the field still impacts his life today.
“Always work hard. Be dedicated to your craft,” explains Graham Latham. “I think that’s what really helped me get to where I am right now, playing football at the University of Richmond.”
Coffey was the father of five and had 16 grandchildren.
His family has set up a scholarship fund in his name. The Coach Coffey Scholarship Fund will be awarded to a student athlete at Monacan. You can donate at any Union Bank.
Visitation for Coach Coffey is this Sunday, December 27 from 2-4 pm at Woody Funeral Home located at 1020 Huguenot Road in Midlothian.
