C. David Coffee was born to Fred T. and Virginia Hahn Coffee on April 25, 1946, in Louisville, Ky.
Raised in Fern Creek with his older sister, Pat, he was a boy who loved cowboys, baseball, music and golf. After graduating from Fern Creek High School in 1965, David became an Eastern Kentucky University Colonel. Following his 1969 graduation, he was an accountant with Yeager, Ford & Warren CPAs.
Soon after, he began what would become a 46 year teaching career. He taught at Marshall University and Kentucky State University, where he became a Kellogg Fellow to pursue his Doctorate of Business Administration in Accounting from The University of Kentucky.
Dr. Coffee later taught at the University of Louisville, Spaulding University, where he was named Dean of Business, and lastly Western Carolina University, where he retired with numerous honors and scholarships in his name.
In 1968, David married his high school sweetheart, Bonnie Warren. Although no longer married, they remained lifelong friends.
David’s hobbies can be summed up in one word: adventure. From paddling whitewater in a canoe, raft or kayak, to navigating routes to ride one of his motorcycles on all back roads to Alaska, to hiking mountain trails and setting up camp, David did it all. He was a believer, an environmentalist and sports fan. It was his joy to share his hobbies with his children and grandchildren and take the whole family on vacations.
David lived the last 28 months at The Lantern in Frankfort, Ky., where he often gave accounting lectures and was known to jog the halls. The family would like to thank the staff and residents for their love.
David is survived by his former wife and mother of his children, Bonnie Coffee; his daughter and caregiver, Tracy Gayle and her husband Don; his son, Thom Coffee and his wife Alethea; his daughter, Terri Coffey and her husband Lachlan; his 10 grandchildren, Suzanne, Jillian, Paul and Gretchen Gayle; Isabella, Eliza and Evelyn Coffee; Ellory, Ezra and Ehren Coffey; a sister Pat Fast (Kenny); and a sister-in-law, Linda Geary.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his half-brothers, Tommy and Billy Coffee.
A memorial service will be held at noon on Saturday, March 11, 2023, at the Shannon Funeral Home in Shelbyville, Ky. Visitation will take place on Saturday from 10 a.m. until the time of service at the funeral home.
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