Middle Tennessee State University Athletics
From left, Bonner, Oldham, Coffee, Miller
Former 'Mod Squad' safety Coffee, 68, passes away
6/7/2019 2:05:00 PM | Football
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. – Former Middle Tennessee safety Ken Coffee passed away on Friday, May 31, at the age of 68. Coffee was a four-year starter and a member of the famed "Mod Squad" defensive backfield along with teammates Ray Oldham, Ed Miller and Ray Bonner from 1969-1972.
"(Ken) always gave everyone a fair shake in life," Bonner said. "We became really close (in college) and did everything together. That friendship we had lasted for 50 years. He was a God-fearing guy and he never looked at me as being a black man. He respected me for who I was, and he was like that with everyone."
Coffee played safety beside the late Oldham on the "Mod Squad."
The 6-foot-1, 190-pound Coffee was known for his athletic abilities and quick reflexes, often finding himself around the football. His prowess in the defensive backfield helped the Blue Raider defense allow opposing teams to a completion percentage of less than 50 in his tenure. Under the guidance of Head Coach Bill Peck, the native of Austell, Georgia, had over 60 tackles and also saw action as a punt returner. Coffee tallied nine of the "Mod Squad's" 33 interceptions from 1970-1972 and was an integral part of 21 wins in his career at MTSU, good for a .625 winning percentage.
Perhaps his greatest accomplishment in life came off the football field, however, as he's remembered by most as a proud father and caring friend.
"Dad was loving, caring, kind, never met a stranger," said Coffee's daughter, Jennifer Duncan. "He was so easy going, almost to a fault. He was a loving and supportive father. He loved his grandchildren so much and was so proud of us. My dad was loyal and hard working. His high school best friend told me this yesterday, and I think it is fitting, 'He was a great teammate, but an even better friend.'"
Coffee's loved ones were accustomed to his witty sense of humor and his willingness to spend as much of his free time with them as possible. He also enjoyed watching football and golfing as leisure activities.
"Dad loved spending time with his friends and family," Duncan said. "Dad loved sports of all kinds, but watching football and golf were his favorite things to do. He never missed an opportunity get in a round of golf. I always went with him to the driving range as a kid, and on the course when he would play, he let me drive the cart most of the time. Dad, my husband and I were playing a round one day, and I wasn't hitting my driver well, so Dad came up to me and said, 'Just imagine the ball is (my husband) Matt's head and that you are backhanding him.' I laughed, but literally hit the longest, straightest drive after that.
"My husband and I still laugh about that, because when we play and I'm not hitting the ball well, I always remember his advice and it works every time."
Coffee is survived by his loving daughter and son-in-law, Jennifer and Matthew Duncan of Marietta, Georgia; two sons, Jonathan and Joshua Coffee of Winter Park, Florida; his grandchildren, Madison and Davis Duncan; sisters, Donna (Randy) Carmichael of Smyrna, Georgia and Patricia (Trish) (Terry) Hollon of Spartanburg, South Carolina; nieces, nephews and cousins; and his loving companion of 11 years, Karen Poor of Longwood, Florida.
A memorial service to celebrate Coffee's life will be held on Wednesday, June 12, at 2 p.m., followed by a reception at the Carmichael Funeral Home, 2950 King St., S.E., Smyrna, GA 30080.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Diabetes Association.
Anthony Fiorella is a writer for goblueraiders.com. Follow him on Twitter @a_fiorella74 and also follow @MTAthletics for more on the Blue Raiders.
"(Ken) always gave everyone a fair shake in life," Bonner said. "We became really close (in college) and did everything together. That friendship we had lasted for 50 years. He was a God-fearing guy and he never looked at me as being a black man. He respected me for who I was, and he was like that with everyone."
Coffee played safety beside the late Oldham on the "Mod Squad."
The 6-foot-1, 190-pound Coffee was known for his athletic abilities and quick reflexes, often finding himself around the football. His prowess in the defensive backfield helped the Blue Raider defense allow opposing teams to a completion percentage of less than 50 in his tenure. Under the guidance of Head Coach Bill Peck, the native of Austell, Georgia, had over 60 tackles and also saw action as a punt returner. Coffee tallied nine of the "Mod Squad's" 33 interceptions from 1970-1972 and was an integral part of 21 wins in his career at MTSU, good for a .625 winning percentage.
Perhaps his greatest accomplishment in life came off the football field, however, as he's remembered by most as a proud father and caring friend.
"Dad was loving, caring, kind, never met a stranger," said Coffee's daughter, Jennifer Duncan. "He was so easy going, almost to a fault. He was a loving and supportive father. He loved his grandchildren so much and was so proud of us. My dad was loyal and hard working. His high school best friend told me this yesterday, and I think it is fitting, 'He was a great teammate, but an even better friend.'"
Coffee's loved ones were accustomed to his witty sense of humor and his willingness to spend as much of his free time with them as possible. He also enjoyed watching football and golfing as leisure activities.
"Dad loved spending time with his friends and family," Duncan said. "Dad loved sports of all kinds, but watching football and golf were his favorite things to do. He never missed an opportunity get in a round of golf. I always went with him to the driving range as a kid, and on the course when he would play, he let me drive the cart most of the time. Dad, my husband and I were playing a round one day, and I wasn't hitting my driver well, so Dad came up to me and said, 'Just imagine the ball is (my husband) Matt's head and that you are backhanding him.' I laughed, but literally hit the longest, straightest drive after that.
"My husband and I still laugh about that, because when we play and I'm not hitting the ball well, I always remember his advice and it works every time."
Coffee is survived by his loving daughter and son-in-law, Jennifer and Matthew Duncan of Marietta, Georgia; two sons, Jonathan and Joshua Coffee of Winter Park, Florida; his grandchildren, Madison and Davis Duncan; sisters, Donna (Randy) Carmichael of Smyrna, Georgia and Patricia (Trish) (Terry) Hollon of Spartanburg, South Carolina; nieces, nephews and cousins; and his loving companion of 11 years, Karen Poor of Longwood, Florida.
A memorial service to celebrate Coffee's life will be held on Wednesday, June 12, at 2 p.m., followed by a reception at the Carmichael Funeral Home, 2950 King St., S.E., Smyrna, GA 30080.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Diabetes Association.
Anthony Fiorella is a writer for goblueraiders.com. Follow him on Twitter @a_fiorella74 and also follow @MTAthletics for more on the Blue Raiders.
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