I have previously written about Reuben and Flora Ellen and their descendants. I have just received photographs of them and some of their descendants.
This photo was accompanied by one of their sons, Wiley Earl and another of Wiley Earl, Jr. All of the photographs are courtesy of Steve Coffey Schmidt, a son of Wiley Earl, Jr. who was subsequently adopted by his mother's second husband.
This is a photo of Wiley Earl and his wife Edna Mae Story. Wiley was born on Jul. 11, 1902 in Globe Twp., Caldwell Co., NC and died Mar. 9, 1972 in Watauga Co., NC. Edna Mae was born Jul. 14, 1904 in Blowing Rock, Watauga Co., and died Aug. 21, 1980 in Shelby, Cleveland Co., NC. She was the daughter of Joshua Clingman and Martha Anne Day Story. Wiley and Edna are buried at the Catawba Memorial Park in Hickory, Catawba Co., NC. Edna was a school teacher and also worked for the US Postal Service.
This photograph is of Wiley Earl Coffey, Jr. and wife Lee Ann Wagner on their wedding day. Wiley began his naval career as an enlisted man and rose to the rank of Lt. Commander with 30 years of service. After retirement from the Navy, Wiley, Jr. joined the Merchant Marine and served for another 20 years, rising to the rank of Captain. Quite a remarkable career!
Wiley died on Aug. 14, 2004 at Virginia Beach, VA. and is buried in that city.
Please contact me at the e-mail address above to add to or correct any of this information.
