Herbert Coffey was born on March 16, 1945, in Morganton, North Carolina, to Herbert and Faye C. Coffey. Raised in a loving Christian home, he was influenced by his grandparents, Dave and Elizabeth Coffey, and actively participated at Mars Hill AME Church.  Herbert graduated from Friedman High School and enlisted in the United States Army in September 1967, serving in the 82nd Airborne Division, and completing a tour in Vietnam. He earned the Purple Heart for his courage during the war, sustaining injuries that would remain with him for life.

In 1974, he began his civilian career with the City of Lenoir Fire Department, eventually becoming a Lieutenant. He later joined the Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM) as a Fire and Rescue Training Instructor, where he played a key role in establishing Hazardous Waste Programs and evaluated fire protection across fifty counties before retiring in 2000.  In 2015, Herbert married Gloria Gladden. Together, they valued their faith and community connections. He was dedicated to Mars Hill AME Church, serving in various leadership roles and earning multiple awards as Man of the Year. Herbert was also a member of the Masonic Lodge #253 in Asheville and was honored as the "Adult Citizen of the Year" by the Morganton Human Relations Commission in 2010.

Herbert cherished his family, including his wife, daughters Tabatha and Destinee, son Brian, and grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, one daughter and two brother -in- law. He is survived by his wife, Gloria Coffey; daughters Tabatha Coffey Brown (Kelton) and Destinee Coffey; and son Brian Coffey, all of Durham, NC. He also leaves behind grandchildren Kelton Brown (KJ), Kyle Brown, MaKayla Lloyd, and Meganne Coffey.  His siblings include sisters Patricia and Mary Lloyd of Morganton, NC, and Anita Lloyd of Lenoir, NC, as well as brother Kenneth Lloyd of Morganton. He is remembered by nieces Marketa Davenport, Sable Canady, and Danielle Lloyd, and nephew Richard Lloyd Jr.   He is also survived by great-nephews Cavan Witherspoon and Milakai Lloyd, sister-in-law Elsie Akinbobola of Upper Marlboro, MD, and brothers-in-law Blaine Gladden (Arena) of Rock Hill, SC, and Desmond Gladden of Clinton, MD.

A homegoing celebration honoring the life of Mr. Herbert Young Coffey will be held Saturday March 8, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. at Mars Hill A.M.E. Church; interment will follow in the church cemetery.  The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.