Franklin "Skip" Eugene Coffman

Franklin Eugene Coffman, Sr., known to most people as Skip, joined the heavenly band on Sunday morning, December 3rd, 2023, at age 72. He was born to Austin Franklin and Margaret Menefee Coffman, on December 20th, 1950. His childhood years were spent growing up in Fairfax and Prince William County VA. He was preceded in death by his parents and four siblings; brothers Reid and Ralph; sisters, Debbie and Darlene. In 1968, he met his future wife, Miriam Conley, at Middle River Pentecostal Church. The Saturday after graduating from W. T. Woodson high school in 1969, he married Miriam on June 14th. They lived in the same home, built by Miriam’s father and uncle, for over 54 years in Stanardsville, VA.
Skip is survived by his wife, Miriam; three sons, Franklin Eugene Coffman, Jr, and wife Jan; Lendell Travis Coffman, daughter-in-law Hilary; and Daniel Alexander Coffman and wife Monica. He is also survived by four grandchildren, Lendell Travis Coffman, Jr, Tyler Austin Coffman, Jillian Reagan Coffman, and Alek Vaughn Coffman. In addition, he is survived by three great-grandchildren Kymbrie Coffman, Lydia Coffman, and Masey Coffman. Skip was preceded in death by one great-grandchild, Masen Coffman.He was employed by Sears & Roebuck for over 35 years. After retirement, he most recently drove a school bus for William Monroe High School. In driving the school bus, Skip found the job from which he did not want to retire. Skip genuinely loved the students, teachers, coaches, and staff he transported to school, field trips, and sporting events for over 10 years.
Lydia Pentecostal Church, which his mother-in-law helped to establish, was the church he called home since marriage to Miriam. He played untold hours of music at Lydia and Middle River Pentecostal Church meetings and revivals.Skip was known around the country for his gift of music. He was called to gospel music, recognizing his talent was given by God, and turned down many opportunities to play other genres of music. He traveled tens of thousands of miles with his electric guitar and steel guitar. He played in small and large churches, camp meetings, and numerous benefit concerts. He always gave credit to Bro. Gordon Rose, who taught him his first chords on the guitar at age 16. In turn, he inspired and encouraged an incredible list of musicians in his 56 years of playing music.
Although Skip has gone home, his music will continue to live on through his family, the musicians he inspired, as well as the countless recordings he left for all to enjoy. The funeral, conducted by Rev. Ronnie Sipe, Rev. Paul Markee, and Rev. Eddie Godbey, will be held at Bible Holiness Church in Elkton, VA on Thursday, Dec. 7th, 2023, at 11:00AM. Interment will be at Lydia Pentecostal Church Cemetery in Lydia, VA. 
The family will receive friends on Wednesday, December 6, 2023 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Bible Holiness Church, 127 Pine Street, Elkton, Va.