MR. MILTON HOOPER CAFFEY, JR., age 74, of Cochran, GA, formerly of Eastman, GA, died Thursday, December 2, 2021, at his residence.

Graveside services will be held at 1:00 PM Monday, December 6, at Park Hill Cemetery in Columbus, GA, with Rev. James M. Bush officiating.

Milton was born in Brockton, MA and lived in many places since his dad was career military. He was a 1966 graduate of Baker High School in Columbus, where he excelled at sports; was an all-star basketball player, and received numerous awards including All Bi-City, All Region, & All State teams. He was selected to play for the South All-Stars in the Annual North/South Basketball game. His athletic prowess earned him a scholarship to play basketball at Columbus College, where he graduated in 1971 with a bachelor's degree in education. He began his career in 1971 at Baker High School as an assistant basketball coach. He began his head coaching tenure at numerous schools: 1973 to 1975, he coached basketball and baseball at Webster County High School in Preston, GA, where he won the first of many region championships. In 1975 to 1980, - Seminole County High School in Donalsonville, before moving to Eastman in 1980, where he coached and taught for 13 years at Dodge County High School earning many region championships and a final four appearances in basketball and baseball. He also served as the Play-by-Play announcer for the Dodge County Indians Football team. From 1994 to 1996, he coached at Newton High School in Covington, GA, then moved to Nashville, GA in 1997 at Berrien County High School until his retirement in 2000. He was named GHSA Coach of the Year 9 times in basketball and 3 times in baseball. After his retirement as an educator, he was the owner and operator of Play-By-Play Sports, Inc. in Valdosta, GA for over 14 years. Coach Caffey was an avid sports fan and enjoyed dealing in sports collectibles. He was a huge fan of the Boston Red Sox and he also enjoyed fishing trips to St. George Island, FL and Lake Winnipesaukee, NH. He loved coaching, mentoring, and teaching U.S. History. He won lots of games but won the enduring love for his players and schools. He was a dedicated husband and a loving father and grandfather. Milton was the son of the late Barbara White Caffey and Milton Hooper Caffey, Sr. and was preceded in death by his Brother, Forrest Cleveland Caffey.

 He is survived by his Loving and Devoted Wife of 49 years – Debbie Bush Caffey of Cochran; 2 Sons – Chance Caffey (Cristen) of Lake Park, GA and Chase Caffey (Amy) of Cochran; 5 Grandchildren – Branson Kyle Caffey, Kasen Gurr, Kyler Gurr, Trey Leadbetter, Cannon Leadbetter; 2 Sisters – Linda Caffey of St. Simons Island, GA and Sandy Thompson, Spring Lake, NC; Sisters-in-law and Brothers-in-law –Ronnie Bush (Kathy) of Columbus, GA, Wrenda Crain (Ken) of Atlanta, and James M. Bush (Laura) of Holly Springs; Several Nieces and Nephews.

 The family may be contacted at the residence of Chase and Amy Caffey, 736 Hudson Jones Rd., Cochran, GA and will receive friends in Southerland Funeral Chapel from 3:00PM-5:00PM Sunday, December 5. In lieu of flowers, the family request contributions to the Ronald McDonald House of Central Georgia, 1160 Forsyth Street, Macon, GA 31201.