Mr. William Coffer

It is a fact that life is uncertain two facts must claim our attention: the certainty of death and the nearness of death. Death is inevitable. We are born to die; we are to watch and pray and be ready when we must die. William Coffer realized the need for such preparation while young. He accepted Christ at an early age and united with the First Baptist Church in Ripley, Ohio. He remained a faithful member until he relocated to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where he joined Greater Galilee Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of the Late Rev. E.B. Phillips. He severed as a trustee board member, did a monthly audit of church bank accounts, was treasurer of Greater Galilee Credit Union, was also scholarship committee treasurer and adult Sunday School teacher. WILLIAM "BILL" COFFER,JR. was born in Ripley, Ohio on January 5, 1930 to lovely parents Sallie (Rankin) Coffer and William Coffer. He was the youngest child of five children. William graduated from Ripley Ohio High SchooL He later attended the Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE), Wisconsin Conservatory of Music, Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC) and Marquette University, where he earned an associate degree in Accounting and Business Administrator degree. William served his country faithfully in the U.S. Marine Corps He trained at Montford Point, NC, an all Black training base, and served in Korea and Japan. William Coffer, Jr. was united with Mignon Yvonne Hedgspeth in holy matrimony in 1957. To this union two children were born, Pierre A. Coffer and Cassandra J. Coffer. He retired from the City of Milwaukee Housing Department as housing manager after 28 years of service. William Coffer, Jr. was a runner; he ran the AI McGuire Walk/Run, United Negro College Fund (UNCF) Walk/ Run, and finished third in the 26 miles lake marathon. He also frequented the YMCA three times a week. William Coffer ran or walked daily at the lakefront three to five miles, and he loved to traveL On August 18,2019, William Coffer,Jr., earned the Highest Congressional Gold Medal in honor of his role in the United States Marine Corps, and he also received an award from MATC; he was among the first black Marines honored as distinguished alum. William Coffer, Jr. was preceded in death by his lovely wife, Mignon Yvonne Coffer; his parents, Sallie and William Coffer, Sr.; his siblings-who died in sequence by birth-sisters, Alman, Helen, Birdie and brother, Bernard. He leaves to cherish his memory: one loving son, Pierre Coffer; one loving daughter, Cassandra Coffer; one granddaughter, Naguina Coffer; and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Mr. William Coffer

January 5, 1930 - November 23, 2020