Walter Othel Coffey
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Submitted by McCreary County Museum
Photo Submitted
Two of the men who worked for the Stearns Coal and Lumber Company were Ernest Bowden (May 23, 1912 – Jan 14, 1987) and Walter Othel Coffey (Mar 26, 1913 – Dec 5, 1974). The men are pictured here circa 1945 with Bowden on the left and Coffey on the right. This picture is a testament to their work ethic, skill level, and dedication.
Walter was a minister and pastor of Pine Knot Free Will Baptist Church for many years. He and his father, Captain “Cap” Coffey and brothers-in-law Edgar and Lonnie Baltimore built the church. Walter collected funds for the building of the church wherever he could, including from fellow miners.
Walter married Mamie Baltimore Coffey (Apr 22, 1915 – Jan 15, 1986) and the couple had six children – Joyce Lee Coffey (Oct 12, 1934 – Feb 18, 2008); Phyllis Ann Coffey Huckaby (Sept 12, 1940 – Nov 22, 2022); Charles Edward “Buddy” Coffey (Nov. 10, 1942 – Oct 12, 2011); Patricia Sue Coffey (Dec 2, 1945 – May 14, 1947); Johnny Othel Coffey (Apr 21, 1948 – Mar 17, 1999); and Ronnie Dewayne Coffey (Mar 9, 1952 – Sept 19, 1978).
On behalf of the McCreary County Museum and the McCreary Journal, I honor the life and legacy of Walter Othel Coffey. For more information contact Debbie Kidd-Trammell at [email protected].
