Donald Lee Cofer

Donald Lee Cofer, who was born in Bradley County, TN on March 14, 1929, has gone on to his heavenly home Monday May the 3rd. Don was 92 years old at the time of his passing and he was surrounded by those who loved him. He was preceded in death by his parents James Raymond Cofer Sr. and Effie Conner Cofer, Brother James Raymond Cofer Jr., Sisters Frankie Standridge, Wilba Poole, Dorothy Harris, and Geraldine Harris. He was survived by his loving wife Faye Cofer of 66 years, his 4 children Barry Cofer of Georgetown, TN, Charlotte Catlett of Georgetown, TN, Barney Cofer of Georgetown, TN, Gail Kugler of Cleveland, TN, Brothers Taylor Cofer, Bryant Cofer, Douglas Cofer and Sister Faye Roark, and 15 Grandchildren, Josh Cartwright, Matt Catlett, Brandan Cofer, Dusty Chapman, Natasha Cofer, Joseph Kugler, Christopher Kugler, Jacob Catlett, Adam Cofer, Daniel Cofer, Michael Cofer, Noah Cofer, Colin Beam, Courtney Beam, Taylor Miller, and Cody Burgess.
A graduate of Birchwood High School in Birchwood, TN in 1947, Don played baseball at a high level even signing a professional baseball contract with the Washington Senators/Chattanooga Lookouts in 1948 and was assigned to the Fulton, KY Class D team. Don left the team after only a few days and returned to the Georgetown area homesick missing his family. He continued his love of sports closely following the Tennessee Volunteer football, baseball, and basketball teams and he loved watching the Atlanta Braves. He also loved NASCAR, with legend Jeff Gordon being his favorite. Don rarely missed his grandsons’ baseball games.
Don served his country honorably as a young man during the Korean War, spending 4 years in the service with two of those years stationed in Germany.
He began his work career as an Auto Mechanic with Bowater Paper Mill in Calhoun, TN, working at the plant for almost 20 years. He finished his career working for the Hamilton County School System as Director of Maintenance of the Harrison Bay Vocational School for 29 years and as an occasional substitute teacher. During 25 years he also served Hamilton County as a school bus contractor.
Don was blessed to have his Grandson Matt, who he loved dearly, by his side caring for him through his last years. He also loved his dogs, having 3 that surrounded him constantly.
Don was a member of Westwood Baptist Church and really missed his friends during the last 14 months as a consequence of COVID restrictions; his absence further compounded by his failing health and compromised immune system.
Honorary Pallbearers are Mike Hendrix, Lawrence Stokes, Everett Harris, Hubert Watson, and Harold Reno. Pallbearers will be Don’s grandchildren.
A celebration of Don’s life will be held at 3:00pm on Thursday May 6, 2021 at Westwood Baptist Church with visitation at the church prior to the service from 1:00pm-3:00pm. Don will be laid to rest at Sunset Memorial Gardens following the service.
You are invited to share a personal memory of Don or your condolences with his family at his online memorial located at www.companionfunerals.com. Companion Funeral Home of Cleveland is honored to assist the Cofer family with these arrangements.