Darby Funeral Home Director Suffers Stroke

CANTON, GA — The director at a well-known funeral home in Cherokee County is in the hospital after suffering a stroke while on the job.

Darby Funeral Home said Gary Coffey suffered a stroke while at work Wednesday, according to the company's Facebook page.

"He is stable but has been placed in ICU," it said. "We hope you will join us in praying that Gary will have a speedy recovery and return back to serving the public that he does so well. Thank you from the staff of Darby Funeral Home."

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Darby Funeral Home is owned by Earl and Olene Darby. Earl Darby has served as Cherokee County coroner for more than two decades. According to the funeral home's website, Coffey is a licensed funeral director and embalmer who has been in the funeral service business since he was 15. He graduated in 1991 from Forsyth Central High School and graduated with honors in 1996 from Gupton-Jones College of Funeral Service.

"Gary believes that funeral service is a calling and truly understands the importance of this ministry and meeting the needs of the families he is honored to serve," the website goes on to state.

Coffey lives in Cumming with his wife and daughter, the website adds.

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