Bruce Kenneth Coffey Sr., 83, of Athens, died Tuesday, Dec. 8, 2009, at Sweetwater Hospital.

A native and lifelong resident of McMinn County, he was a son of the late Anna Lou Coffey, and was preceded in death by one son, Bruce Kenneth Coffey Jr., on May 6, 1995. He was a member of Clearwater Baptist Church, and was a charter member of the McMinn County Rescue Squad. He owned and operated Coffey Sawmill, was an avid hunter and outdoorsman and was a veteran of the U.S. Army, having served in World War II.

Survivors include his wife of 62 years, Marie Jackson Coffey of Athens; three sons, Dr. Ben Coffey of Sweetwater, Ronny Coffey of Athens, and Tim Coffey of Palm Beach, Fla.; two daughters and sons-in-law, Debbie and Scott Brakebill of Athens, Judy and Vernon Darnell of Cleveland; one daughter-in-law, Connie Lowery of Niota; 12 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.

Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Friday at Clearwater Baptist Church with the Rev. Greg Hutsell, Bryan Coffey and the Rev. Wayne Bryant officiating. Burial will follow in Clearwater Cemetery.

Active pallbearers will be grandsons, Bryan Coffey, Dr. Scott Coffey, Stockton Coffey, Jeff Darnell, David Darnell and Jayson Stephens.

The family will receive friends from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Clearwater Baptist Church Building Fund, 964 County Rd. 180, Athens, TN 37303.