Hudson P. Cofield
SMITHFIELD—Hudson P. Cofield Jr., 92, died Jan. 5, 2009, in Sentara Obici Hospital.
A native and lifelong resident of Isle of Wight County, “H.P.” was the son of the late H.P. Sr. and Dollie Griffin Cofield. In addition to his parents, H.P. was preceded in death by his brothers, George Emmett Cofield and Robert F. Cofield and by sisters, Louise Cofield Whitley and Ida Ruth Cofield Holland. H.P. was also preceded by wife, Eloise Butler Cofield.
Survivors include his loving wife of 55 years, Mildred Strawn Cofield; two sons, H.P. “Trip” Cofield III and wife Melissa W. Cofield of Chesapeake and Garry S. Cofield and wife Rita W. Cofield of Windsor; two sisters, Margaret Cofield and Martha Cofield Griffin, both of Windsor; and three grandchildren, Meredith L. Cofield of Chesapeake, Joshua D. Cofield and Ryan M. Cofield of Windsor.
Mr. Cofield retired from ITT Gwaltney in 1979 with 20 years of service as the parts manager in the Garage Department.
Previous jobs in his long and colorful life included all-purpose clerk at Garner’s Store in Orbit at the tender age of 12 and bus driver for Isle of Wight Schools at the age of 13.
He was a charter member of the Isle of Wight Ruritan Club and was a member of the Smithfield Masonic Lodge No. 18, AM & FM. During World War II, H.P. worked at the Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Co.
He served his lifelong church, Woodland United Methodist Church, faithfully over the years as Sunday school secretary, treasurer and in other church offices.
He was also a choir member for many years.
A life celebration service will be conducted at 2 p.m. today in Woodland United Methodist Church with the Revs. Michael Harrington, Robert Cofield Jr. and Connie Gibbs-Morris officiating.
Burial will follow in the church cemetery with Masonic rites observed.
The family will receive friends in the home of son, Garry Cofield.
Colonial Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
The family suggests memorial contributions to the Alzheimer’s Association, No. 20 Koger Center, Suite 233, Interstate Corporate Center, Norfolk, VA 23502 or to Woodland UMC, Building Fund, 20051 Orbit Road, Windsor, VA 23887.