Rickey Coffer

Rickey Cleveland Coffer, 67, of Altavista, Virginia, passed away on Wednesday, November 11, 2026.

Born on August 31, 1959, in Virginia, Rickey was the son of the late Mary Elizabeth Coffer. He was also preceded in death by his grandparents, Mary Parker Bernard Coffer and Russell Martin Coffer.

Rickey was a man who appreciated the simple things in life and had a personality all his own. He was a peaceful soul who always managed to see some kind of goodness in everyone he met. Those who knew him knew exactly what made Rickey, well….. Rickey.

For 27 years, Rickey worked at BGF, where he took tremendous pride in his job. He loved to work and was especially proud of his perfect attendance, something he never missed an opportunity to talk about. He retired early in 2018, leaving behind a career that reflected his dedication and strong work ethic.

Outside of work, Rickey had plenty of things that made him happy. He loved hunting, fishing, spending time at the lake, and cheering on his favorite NASCAR driver, Dale Earnhardt. He was a faithful member of Moose Lodge #1433 and enjoyed the friendships he made there.

And then there was Hank Williams Jr. Rickey didn't just enjoy his music; he knew just about everything there was to know about the man affectionately known as Bocephus. In true Rickey fashion, he even gave himself his own version of the nickname: "Cocephus." In his later years, he lovingly gained the nickname “Brownhead Indian”. Both suited him perfectly. He loved his cowboy boots, a cold beer, and doing things his own way.

Family was especially important to Rickey. His mother, Mary, was his best friend, and the bond they shared was something special. He took great pride in caring for her home and the family cemetery, keeping it clean and well-maintained for more than 40 years. It was one of the many ways Rickey showed his love, not necessarily through grand gestures, but through the things he did every day.

Rickey also carried fond memories of his grandfather, Russell, a German man who was known for his fondness for drinking hot beer. Among his extended family, his Uncle Charlie held a particularly special place in his heart, proudly earning the title of Rickey's favorite uncle. He also experienced loss at a young age when his Uncle Earl passed away when Rickey was just five years old.

He had a way of speaking his mind that could leave everyone around him smiling. On one occasion, while attending church, the pastor remarked that a person could be there one Sunday and gone the next. Without missing a beat, Rickey responded, "That's straight facts, Jack!" It was a perfectly Rickey response, honest, unexpected, and memorable.

Rickey is survived by his aunt, Ruth Abbott; his uncle, Maurice Abbott; and numerous cousins and extended family members, the Duffy’s and Burks’, and his best friend, Roger Boley, and longtime friend, Jean Worsham. He also leaves behind his devoted caregivers, Erica Duffy and Loretta Johnson, who shared in so many of the everyday moments and memories that made his life special.

In the end, Rickey didn't need anything extravagant to enjoy life. Give him a good fishing spot, a silver top, some country music, his favorite cowboy boots, and the people he loved, and he was content. He will be remembered for his peaceful spirit, his humor, his devotion to family, and the many little things that made him one of a kind.

A visitation will be held on Friday, November 20, 2026, at 11:30 a.m. in the Commonwealth Room at Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Lynchburg. A funeral service will follow at 12:30 p.m. in the chapel. Burial will take place at Coffer Family Cemetery in Rustburg, Virginia.

Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Lynchburg, is assisting the family.