Robin Coffman's Obituary
Robin Thornley “Muggs” Coffman, 80, passed away surrounded by family on Saturday, January 30, 2016 at his home in Germantown, TN. A native of Ripley, TN, he graduated from Ripley High School where he lettered in baseball, football, and basketball. He attended Union University on scholarship. Before graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree, he played baseball for Union where he led his conference with a .477 batting average and maintained several longstanding fielding and batting records, including 10 home runs in 16 games played. Drafted by the New York-San Francisco Giants organization in 1957, he played second base and outfield for five years. He entered the cotton warehousing business in Jackson, TN and continued his 50 year career in Memphis, TN, most recently with the Mallory Group as Vice President of Cotton Operations. During his career, he served as President of the Cotton Warehouse Association of America and on the National Cotton Council Board of Directors. His love for athletics continued through his life as he officiated basketball over 20 years in the WTBA and the Ohio Valley Conference. He officiated five state basketball tournaments, coached Little League several years, and served as coach for the American Amateur Baseball Conference Team. Muggs, as he was fondly known, was inducted into the Sports Hall of Fame, Jackson-Madison County, TN and also the Union University Sports Hall of Fame. An avid golfer, he was a member of Germantown Country Club, participated in numerous golf tournaments including Memphis Cotton Exchange and charitable tournaments. He continued to play golf regularly, enjoying the outdoors and camaraderie, always eager to repeat his 1994 hole in one. He was a member of Germantown Presbyterian Church and through the years, served on committees for various organizations, including Alpha Tau Omega of which he was a member. While active and accomplished in many areas, his greatest joy was that of his family. Devoted to his college sweetheart, Tommie Faye, their 57 year marriage was a source of inspiration to all who witnessed their love. He was preceded in death by his first born daughter, Kimberly Yelverton (Johnny). He is survived by his wife, Tommie Faye; daughter, Kristi Roberson of Raleigh, NC; son, Robin Coffman Jr. (Mary) of Memphis, TN; along with eight beloved grandchildren who greatly respected his humor, values, and constant faith. They are Caroline Hayes, Margaret Yelverton, Franklin Yelverton, Sam Roberson, William Roberson, John Scott Roberson, Robin Coffman III, and Alex Coffman. Also surviving are his brother, Dr. James Coffman of Ripley, TN and sister, Judy Long of Jackson, TN. While he will be greatly missed, his smile and lasting impact as a true gentleman will endure. Visitation will begin at 12:30 p.m. and a memorial service will be held at 2 p.m., Wednesday, February 3 at Germantown Presbyterian Church. Donations may be made to the Lustgarten Pancreatic Research Foundation, 1111 Steward Avenue, Bethpage, NY 11714 or a charity of the donor’s choice. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Memorial Park Funeral Home and Cemetery, 5668 Poplar Ave. Memphis, TN 38119. “Celebrating Life… Behind the Stone Wall”
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