I found out today, a dear friend and former boss of mine passed away last year...
I had the privilege of working for Lee during my time at Brady ISD, He later moved on to another School District, and we slowly fell out of touch a little more each year, until last year by chance I ran into him again in the parking lot of the mall here in Brownwood... He had retired and moved back to Brady, among other things, we talked briefly about hunting season coming up, and as before had invited me to come hunt his place over there.
I said that I would...and it was great to see him again after so long.
Exchanged numbers.... and parted with a handshake, a hug and "give me a holler...bow season is coming up you know?"
Well, as can usually happen, life and other distractions got in the way.
Today, I was talking to another mutual friend who I also used to work with at that district, and I asked about Lee.... the smile sort of faded from his face, and he asked...."oh man, you haven't heard?.........Lee passed away last year."
My heart sunk....for the passing of a great friend, mentor, fellow hunter and fellow Patriot.
My heart goes out to Lee's family, friends and all the young lives touched by him throughout his career in Education.
And I am saddened also, that I did not follow through on that invite, but take some solace that I did get to see him again, and shake the hand of a truly great man, one last time.
Lee Coffman Leland Mac “Lee” Coffman was born March 7, 1952 in Winters, Texas to L.F. and Billy Coffman. He departed this life on Friday, November 20, 2009. In a short 57 years, Lee touched the lives of many people with his perpetual smile and caring heart. Lee joined the US Army on his seventeenth birthday and served a twenty year decorated career, rising to the rank of E-8 first sergeant. As a Ranger and Green Beret, Lee did tours of duty in Vietnam and Grenada. He received twenty one medals in recognition of his service including the Silver Star, the Cross of Gallantry, the French Croix de Guerre, a Bronze Star with four oak leaf clusters and five Purple Hearts. Upon retirement from the Army is 1989, Lee pursued a second career in education.
I said that I would...and it was great to see him again after so long.
Exchanged numbers.... and parted with a handshake, a hug and "give me a holler...bow season is coming up you know?"
Well, as can usually happen, life and other distractions got in the way.
Today, I was talking to another mutual friend who I also used to work with at that district, and I asked about Lee.... the smile sort of faded from his face, and he asked...."oh man, you haven't heard?.........Lee passed away last year."
My heart sunk....for the passing of a great friend, mentor, fellow hunter and fellow Patriot.
My heart goes out to Lee's family, friends and all the young lives touched by him throughout his career in Education.
And I am saddened also, that I did not follow through on that invite, but take some solace that I did get to see him again, and shake the hand of a truly great man, one last time.
You will be missed "Top".
