Mr. Richard Easter Coffee, Jr., age 91, of Birmingham died on Friday, June 21, at his home in Birmingham. He was preceded in death by his son John Peyton "Josh" Coffee, father Richard E. Coffee, mother Mary Sue Graves Coffee, sisters Louise Coffee Morris and Helen Coffee Jones, and daughter-in-law Jeanie Alexander Coffee. Survivors include his wife of almost 60 years, Nora Virginia Strength Coffee, son Richard Easter "Dick" Coffee, III of Birmingham, Daughter Linda Coffee Ramsey of Martin, TN., grandsons Brett Ramsey (Jessica) and Matt Ramsey of Nashville, great granddaughter Eliana Ramsey of Nashville, brothers-in-law John Strength (Ann) of Newnan, GA, Vernon Strength (Danna) of Ft. Worth, TX, and Leonard "Bud" Strength of Marianna, FL., a number of nieces and nephews, and countless friends.
Dick Coffee was born in his beloved hometown of Decatur, AL, on September 21. 1921. He served his country in World War II as a member of the 10th Armored Division of Patton's 3rd Army, earning a Purple Heart following an injury just days before the Battle of the Bulge. Following the war, he enrolled at the University of Alabama, graduating in 1950 with a degree in Advertising from the "Commerce" School. At the university, he was an active member of Phi Gamma Delta Fraternity. After college, Coffee founded Dick Coffee Enterprises. He published a number of magazines, including Birmingham Doin's and Tuscaloosa Doin's along with similar visitor's guides for Huntsville, Montgomery, Decatur, Savannah, Memphis, and Brunswick & the Golden Isles. In addition, he began to print his annual football and basketball guides.
A life-long Methodist and a long-time member of Canterbury United Methodist Church, Coffee served on the Administrative Board for several terms and was an active member of the John Wesley Class. He was involved in many organizations affiliated with the University of Alabama, including the National Alumni Association, The Jefferson County Alumni Chapter (long-time executive committee member), the Commerce Executives Society, the Red Elephant Club, the Bama Tipoff Club, and the 1st & Ten Club. He was recently named as the University's Alumnus of the Year, and was an honororary member of the A-Club for lettermen in athletics. Coffee attended every Alabama football game from November 30, 1946 through January 8, 2013, a total of 781 consecutive games. In 2010, he was named College Football's #1 Superfan by ESPN. The New York Times acknowleged that he was the creator of the "Charge" cheer which has been heard at athletic events throughout the country for many years.
Coffee was an active member of the Birmingham Rose Society. He and his wife Nora had as many as 375 rose bushes in their garden, and he earned the designation as a Consulting Rosarian for the Deep South District of the American Rose Society.
He loved the city of Birmingham and its people. Coffee was a long-time member of the Monday Morning Quarterback Club, having served on its board and actively participated in the organization's annual fundraising efforts for children's charities. He was a member of the Birmingham Tipoff Club as well.
Visitation will be Tuesday, June 25 from 9:30 A.M. to 11:00 A.M. at Canterbury United Methodist Church with a memorial service to follow at 11:00 A.M. The family asks that memorials be directed to the "Alumni Fund" for the Coffee Family Scholarship at the University of Alabama, the Crippled Children's Foundation for the Quarterback Club's fundraising campaign for children's charities, or Canterbury United Methodist Church.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
June 17, 2019
Friend
Charles Lloyd
He was always so upbeat when I had a bad sales day at the news. He was always so upbeat and a great friend and Bama fan.
July 2, 2013
Hi, Nora,
One of my childhood memories of my Uncle Dick was the one dollar rivalry bets that he and my mother, Murl, would place on all of the Alabama/Georgia games. Being from Georgia, she always enjoyed that. Once he laughed and told me that, when he died, it would NOT be during football season!
Love,
Beth
June 26, 2013
Judy Owen
So sorry to hear of Dick's passing. He was the one guy I remembered from the annual 10th Armored Reunions. His sense of humor was great. I enjoyed talking with him at the last reunion in Louisville. (Also, loved the story of being pulled over on a trip through Wabash Indiana.)
Judy Owen (Robert Watson's daughter)
June 26, 2013
Glenyss Naro
My sympathy to Mr. Coffee's family. What a wonderful person to have known and to have him as an Alumnus of The University of Alabama is such an honor to The U of A family. I was so privileged to serve on the National Alumni Executive Committee with his son, Dick Coffee,III. I know he will be missed but hope you all gain much strength in this difficult time with all the wonderful memories. God bless and keep you.
June 25, 2013
Ms Nora
We at Auto & Truck Services are so sad hearing that Dick passed away.We always enjoyed seeing him.
He was always so pleasant,even when we knew he wasn't feeling well.
We are thinking of you & your family!
Norman,Grace,Donnie,Justin & all of all group.
June 25, 2013
Jan Bailey
Will miss Mr. Coffee's visits to our office so much. Always a bright spot in our day. Deepest sympathy. I know you look forward already to the day you see him again!
June 24, 2013
Claudia Williams
I am praying for the family.
June 24, 2013
Dick: Am so sorry about your dad. He was an icon!
Beverly LeBoeuf
June 24, 2013
Deanna Williams
Nora,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time. We know he is enjoying all the perfect roses in heaven among other great and wonderful things.
June 24, 2013
I'm so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my prayers.
June 24, 2013
Brad O'Rear
My prayers are with you and your family
June 24, 2013
Rolland Watson
RIP. My prayers are with the family.
June 24, 2013
linn carter
June 23, 2013
Van Strength
I can't think of him without smiling even reading his obituary. What a great man on so many levels! Love you all. Van Strength
June 23, 2013
Larry & Sue Watson
June 23, 2013
Larry Watson, II
June 23, 2013
DIANA CHANDLER DAVIS,DECATUR,AL
June 23, 2013
Martha Nash McNelly
Come to think of iit,Dick may have been a Drum Major for our Decatur High band, he was so full of zest and life -probably still is even in death- 91 is a good long life for a man that enjoyed life as he did.
June 23, 2013
Martha Nash McNelly
Eddie Johns thank you for posting the obit site in FB with Dick Coffee's picture. Yes, I knew him. He grew up in Decatur around the corner on Ferry St. He moved to Bham where he became A #1 Alabama fan -I believe he had a trumpet- he would blow a charge at the games. Very colorful and out going and popular. Always upbeat. Seems he published booklets of happening in Bham and maybe other cities. I believe he grew 'show' roses that won prizes at the B'ham Botanial Gardens. You wouldn't miss noticing Dick if he were anywhere around you. Full of life-probably still is even in death.
June 23, 2013
Rhonda McClendon
Mrs. Coffee, my name is Rhonda D. McClendon. I am Ann Strength's first cousin. I met you and your husband many years ago. You and your late husband seem like family from the stories that your brother, "Johnny" has told me over the years! God bless you and yours in this time. Rhonda
June 23, 2013
Tiffany and Louis Maring
Dear Nora and Family,
We are so sorry to hear of Dick's passing. No one else who could greet you with such a warm sunny smile as Dick. He had a great sense of humor and was a joy to be around . He made you feel like you were his best friend. We will miss him dearly.
God Bless.
June 23, 2013
Charles Lloyd
It was very sad to learn of the passing of Mr.Coffee. I remember him from many Alabama games over the years especially a difficult loss to Ole Miss in Jackson. I also remember him from many years at the Birmingham News discussing advertising. I am very sorry for your loss.
June 23, 2013
Mike Edmondson
Our world is diminished by the loss of Dick Coffee. He was one of a kind. May God comfort his family in this time of sorrow.
June 23, 2013
Pam Richey
I have known and loved Mr. Coffee all of my life. He will be missed by so many. Mrs. Coffee and Dick please know Im thinking of you both and praying for you as well. Take Care Love Pam
June 23, 2013
Dear Nora and Family
We are thinking of you at this difficult time in your lifes
We enjoyed many years and lots of peanuts sitting with you at the basketball games
Dick was such a friendly and special person
His presence will truly be missed
With much love and sympathy, yours
Dan Dru and Daniel Propst
June 23, 2013
Shannon Oden
God Bless You Uncle Richard. You will be missed. Shannon Louise Morris Oden.
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