Dr. Cofty was born at Fort Benny, Georgia, August 19, 1938, to the late Jesse and Bebe Cofty. Despite his father’s Army background, Chuck enlisted in the United States Marine Corps at the age of 18. A year later, Chuck met Lenora Ann Jones, a green-eyed beauty from Jacksonville, Florida and married her two short months later.

Dr. Cofty’s military career was extensive, serving his country in the Marines for over 22 years. During the war in Vietnam, Chuck participated in 16 major ground operations, resulting in a
short stint as an MIA when Hue City was overrun in 1968. Chuck fought with Lima Company, 3rd Battalion, 26th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division and Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division. He was awarded the Bronze Star with combat “V,” Combat Action Ribbon, Purple Heart, Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation, and two Presidential Unit Citations.

However, Dr. Chuck Cofty’s life was changed forever when his wife led him to accept the Lord Jesus Christ as his personal Saviour on June 6, 1972, at their kitchen table. He believed “For
whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” (Romans 10:13) Chuck acknowledged that he was a sinner, “For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23) For the first time, this strong Marine knew that he needed Someone, and that “Someone” was the omnipotent Lord Jesus. Chuck asked for forgiveness of his sins and by faith accepted Christ as his Saviour. (Romans 10:9-10).

Chuck “attacked” this new life in the same “Esprit de Corps” that he approached everything. Unashamedly, Dr. Cofty boldly shared his faith with whomever he encountered. He attended a
Bible College where he received a Bachelor of Church Administration degree as well as being honored with a Doctor of Divinity degree from San Francisco Baptist Theological Seminary. As a young Christian, Dr. Cofty founded and pastored a church in Arizona, served as an assistant to the pastor at Tabernacle Baptist Church in Virginia Beach, and pastored in Decatur, Alabama at Grace Baptist Church. Desiring to see souls saved and pastors encouraged, Chuck became an evangelist in the 1980s. Not one to mince words and for being known as a “man’s man,” Chuck preached the message of the cross to thousands across the county for over 25 years.

Semper Fi, Chuck. You have always been faithful to your wife, your family, your friends, the Corps, but especially your Lord. You never quit anything . . . so you can say with the Apostle
Paul, “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.” (2 Timothy 4:7). Oorah!