Dr. Ralph "Don" Donald Coffey Jr.

Dr. Ralph Donald (Don) Coffey Jr., 86, of Raleigh was born in Morganton, North Carolina, to the late Dr. Ralph Donald Coffey and Cecile Wing Wood Coffey. He passed away at home on July 20, 2024, after a lengthy illness.

Dr. “Don” Coffey, a successful oral and maxillofacial surgeon, was devoted to his family, stayed in touch with his revered Vietnam veteran group, and cared for many beloved friends and furry companions. Don was an Eagle Scout and lived his life accordingly.

He received his BS from Davidson College (1960) and was a graduate from UNC Dental School (1964) with recognition as a member of the Omicron Kappa Upsilon Society. Don was an avid reader and knew a plethora of facts to entertain his loved ones.

Following a residency at Parkland Hospital in Dallas, he served as captain for the 44th Medical Brigade at the 12th Evacuation Hospital in Vietnam and became a decorated veteran having served in a combat zone. Veterans he helped kept in touch with him throughout his life.

After his return home, he joined a successful practice that served thousands of friends throughout Raleigh. His calm bedside manner was admired and appreciated by his patients.

He volunteered extensively for various organizations including St. Michael’s Church, Urban Ministries, dental services to the Department of Corrections, and the Board of Alice Aycock Poe Center.

Don was fortunate to experience love and marriage twice. First to Nancy Fraser for 46 years who succumbed to cancer in 2007. Second to Lochie Overbey. Lochie ensured that Don continued to live a big and happy life. She cared for and loved him until his last breath. Don loved holidays and travel to bring family together. He also loved outdoor activities including hunting, fishing, and golfing.

Don is survived by his wife, Lochie Overbey Coffey of Raleigh; son, Ralph Donald “Tripp” Coffey III, and his wife Lisa of Raleigh; daughter, Caroline Coffey Stedman, and her husband David of Charlotte; stepdaughter Lochie Shannon Christopher and her son, Christopher, of Roswell, Georgia, and five grandchildren: Sarah Coffey, Duncan Coffey; Isabel Stedman, Anne Gray Stedman, and Branch Stedman. In addition to his parents and first wife Don was also predeceased by his sister Anne Wing Wood Coffey.

Don’s family expresses gratitude to the medical teams who worked for him during his career as well as the doctors, hospice nurses, and caregivers who helped him during the last days.

A memorial service for Don will be held Friday, August 2, 2024 at 11:00 AM at St. Michael's Episcopal Church, 1520 Canterbury Rd, Raleigh, NC 27608. A reception in the Parish Hall will follow the service.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in memory of Dr. Ralph Donald Coffey Jr. to Wounded Warrior Project (P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675), InterAct of Wake County (1012 Oberlin Rd Suite 100, Raleigh, NC 27605), or to your preferred charity.

Arrangements provided by Brown-Wynne, 300 Saint Mary's Street, Raleigh.