CORDOVA, TN — Kay Young Coffey, age 74, passed away on Tuesday June 2, 2015 at the Baptist Memorial Hospital in Memphis, TN, after a short illness. Kay was born October 4, 1940 in Polk, NC; he was the son of the late Roscoe and Marjorie Young Coffey. He worked as a Senior Safety Compliance Officer for OSHA for 30 years. The first thing that comes to mind to describe how Kay felt about his work was passion. Kay came into the office every day with a zeal that was exceptional, and was always ready to get the job done. He championed the rights of the American worker through his firm and fair enforcement efforts like no other. Kay held the utmost respect of his peers, not only for his expertise, but for his undying energy. The investigative work that Kay performed was meticulous. He was always so proud of the mission of the agency, and friends and family always could feel his pride. During his tenure with OSHA, Kay was part of the national safety & health effort to ensure the safety of the worksite at "ground zero." He approached his work with the feeling that it was his privilege and proud opportunity to give back. Kay also enjoyed cooking, gardening, maintaining a wine cellar, and entertaining his family & friends.
In addition to his parents, Kay is predeceased by his sister Pat Bunnell and son David Coffey.
Kay is survived by his wife of 23 years, Mary “Betsy” DeCerbo Coffey; mother-in-law Gertrude DeCerbo; brothers-in-law, David DeCerbo (Linda) and Michael DeCerbo; niece Kimberly (Robbie) Keefer; cousins David Funderburk (Betty Jo), Judy Fountain, Gail Beasley and Betty Dare (Bob) Stefanich and other family and friends. Relatives and friends came together to celebrate his life on Sunday, June 7, 2015 at the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes, 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY.
A funeral service was celebrated Monday June 8, 2015 at the Saratoga Springs United Methodist Church, 175 Fifth Ave. at Henning Road, Saratoga Springs by the Rev. Heather Williams, pastor. Burial followed in the family plot at St. Peter’s Cemetery, West Avenue.
Memorial donations may be given to Myelodysplastic Syndromes Foundation, 4573 South Broad Street, Suite 150, Yardville, NJ 08620.
