A graveside service for Gary Lee Cofield, 79, will be held Sunday, November 19, 2023, at Live Oak Cemetery in Walterboro, South Carolina at 1:00 p.m., followed immediately by a visitation and lunch at Tavern on The Green at the Dogwood Hills Golf Club. Brother-in-law, Moss Blachman, will officiate. Mr. Cofield passed away peacefully on Monday evening, November 6, 2023 after a hard battle with cancer, with his family by his side. He died at his daughter’s home in southern California, where he spent the last 2 months with his loving family. Gary was born to Selina Butler Cofield and David Cofield, on January 23, 1944 in Atlanta, Georgia. For over half a century, he was a devoted husband to his wife, Nancy Siegel Cofield, setting a shining example of enduring love and unwavering support. Gary served his country with honor and distinction, leaving a lasting impact in various branches of the military. In 1961, Mr. Cofield enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corp. and was deployed to such places as Cuba and Okinawa before serving in the Army National Guard for 23 years, beginning in 1981. Mr. Cofield retired from service at St. George Army National Guard as a Staff Sergeant in 2004, after which time he worked as a Corrections Officer at the Ridgeland Correctional Institution, reflecting his strong sense of duty and commitment. Mr. Cofield was repeatedly decorated for his service with medals of good conduct, commendation, or achievement, such as for Army Reserve Component Achievements, National Defense Service, and Armed Forces Reserves. Mr. Cofield was also a recipient of medals for Armed Forces Expeditionary, SC Active State Service, and SC Meritorious Service with ribbons from SC Palmetto Service, as well as the SC Governor’s Unit Citation. Gary was an active member of the Temple Mount Sinai synagogue in Walterboro, where he volunteered to help maintain the grounds and facility for services. He was a dedicated family man of faith and values, and a southern gentleman. He was known for his generosity and selflessness, always treating others with genuine kindness and respect. Gary was honest, caring, and hard-working, and he left a lasting impression on all who had the privilege to know him. He left a positive impact on our community for others to recognize and to learn from. He was a perfect example of humanity, and we could all learn from his values and actions. Gary loved animals, nature, cooking, and the outdoors. He enjoyed camping in the North Carolina mountains, as well as playing golf. Above all, Gary was a dedicated husband and father, with his two daughters and two adoring grandchildren holding a special place in his heart. He will forever be missed. His legacy of selflessness, dedication to family, and service to his country will continue to inspire future generations. As we bid farewell to Gary, we remember a life well-lived, a love that knew no bounds, and a man whose commitment to family and country will forever be etched in our hearts. May he rest in peace, knowing that his legacy lives on in the lives he touched and the love he shared. Left to cherish his memories are his daughters, Jennifer Ciotola and Samantha Eastman; sons-in-law, Charles Eastman and Eric Ciotola; his 2 grandchildren, Nicolas and Serena Ciotola; and brother, Jerry Cofield.
