Wellington “Bill” G. Coffeen III, 80, passed away on September 29, 2026, in Pensacola, Florida, following a brief illness.

A native of Miami and Hialeah, Florida, Bill grew up with an adventurous spirit. His childhood was filled with neighborhood friendships, homemade rocket-building, and earning his Eagle Scout badges. His curiosity, ingenuity, and love of adventure remained defining qualities throughout his life.

Bill enjoyed a successful executive career in the energy industry, followed by work as a market investor and management consultant. In response to the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina in 2005, he developed and presented a catastrophic response and execution plan designed to help coastal communities better prepare for and respond to future disasters. He was recognized by the American Public Gas Association for his leadership in directing and executing a highly successful relief effort whose impact continues today.

A lifelong philanthropist and community volunteer, Bill served on the boards of numerous organizations throughout his life, sharing his leadership, time, and resources in support of causes and communities he cared about. Among them were Mobile, Alabama’s Distinguished Young Women program, the Senior Bowl, where he served as a Game Captain, and Keep Mobile Beautiful. He was also an active Rotarian in Alabama, Georgia, and North Carolina. His commitment to service extended well beyond formal board positions, and he consistently looked for ways to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

In retirement, Bill traveled extensively with family and friends, enjoying adventures around the world as well as time in two of his favorite places: the mountains of the Carolinas and the beaches of Florida’s Emerald Coast. Known affectionately as “Farmer Bill,” he loved gardening, planting trees, and watching the farm animals and gardens grow. During the later years of his life, Bill found a special sense of friendship, fellowship, and belonging in his church family in Freeport, Florida. Their kindness, companionship, and support brought him great comfort and joy.

Bill had many interests and creative pursuits. He enjoyed painting, baking, woodworking, science-fiction movies, and cheering for the Green Bay Packers. In 2023, he published a book documenting the Coffeen family genealogy and its early roots in New England. Through years of genealogical research, he discovered family connections to the American Revolution, adding another chapter to his lifelong love of history and family.

Bill is survived by his children, Kimberly; Wellington Scott (Tammy); and Bronwyn; his sister, Susan Coffeen (Richard); his sister-in-law, Diana Porth; four grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 51 years, Bonnie Porth Coffeen, and his parents, Wellington G. Coffeen Jr. and Sarah Sims Coffeen.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Arbor Day Foundation or to a charity of choice.

The family extends a special and heartfelt thank you to Nelli Hannawalt for her friendship, compassionate care, and nursing of Bill during the final years of his life. Her kindness, dedication, and loving presence brought comfort and companionship to Bill and meant so much to him and his family.

Bill will be remembered for his adventurous spirit, ingenuity, generosity, love of family, devotion to community, and lifelong curiosity. His legacy lives on through the family he cherished, the communities he served, the trees he planted, and the many lives he touched along the way.