Our hearts are saddened to announce the passing of Mr. Johnny Cofield, Jr., 67, of Tallahassee, Florida, who departed this earthly life on Tuesday, June 2, 2026.

Viewing-visitation will be 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m., Thursday, June 11, 2026, at the TILLMAN OF TALLAHASSEE CHAPEL (850-942-1950).

Homegoing Services will be 12:00 p.m., Friday, June 12, 2026, at the Old West Enrichment Center, 2344 Lake Bradford Road, Tallahassee, FL 32310, with burial to follow in Southside Cemetery.

All resolutions may be sent to: tillmanfh1931@gmail.com.

EARLY LIFE, FAMILY, AND EDUCATION

Johnny C. Cofield, Jr., known lovingly as “Carl” to those closest to him, was born on August 3, 1958, in Tallahassee, Florida. He was the first of four children born to Johnny C. Cofield, Sr. and Freddie Mae Wiggins Cofield. Johnny grew up surrounded by deep family bonds and a strong sense of love and belonging. Their home was filled with stories, laughter, and a deep devotion to family. Even after the passing of his father, the lessons and love they shared stayed with Johnny, shaping the man he would become.

Johnny’s educational journey began at Bond Elementary School, where the seeds of his lifelong passions for sports, community, and entrepreneurship first took root. He continued to Nims Middle School and later James S. Rickards High School. During his years at Rickards (1972–1976), Johnny became a proud and dedicated member of the football team. One of his standout accomplishments was rushing for 1,000 yards during the 1975–1976 season, a milestone that reflected both his talent and determination. These early experiences shaped not only his athletic spirit but also the way he approached life with heart, grit, and an eagerness to grow.

Johnny went on to study at Bethune-Cookman University (BCU) and Florida A&M University (FAMU), majoring in Political Science. During this time, he was recruited by A.L. Williams Insurance Company, marking his first meaningful step into entrepreneurship and hinting at the path that would later become his calling.

FAMILY LIFE

On June 21, 1980, Johnny married the love of his life, Edna Lucille Armstrong. Together, they built a beautiful life marked by devotion, partnership, and joy. Their union was blessed with three children; Janine, Candice, and Michael, who were the pride of Johnny’s heart. Johnny and Lucille shared 45 wonderful years filled with laughter, growth, and unwavering commitment.

FAITH AS A GUIDING FORCE

Faith was never something Johnny had to search for; it was woven into him from the start. As a young boy, he found community and grounding at Mount Zion Primitive Baptist Church and St. Peter Primitive Baptist Church. Those early Sundays shaped his understanding of compassion, service, and humility. Later, he continued his spiritual journey at Flipper Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church, where he deepened his connection to the values that guided him. Johnny didn’t wear his faith on his sleeve; he lived it in the way he treated people with kindness, patience, and sincerity.

PROFESSIONAL LIFE, ENTREPRENEURSHIP, AND PERSONAL INTERESTS

Coaching and Mentorship Johnny’s professional journey began on the football field, where many of his deepest passions came together. As an Assistant Football Coach at FAMU Developmental Research School (DRS) under Head Coach Ira Reynolds, he poured his heart into mentoring young athletes. For fifteen years, he did far more than teach the game—he helped shape character, build confidence, and inspire young people to believe in themselves, leaving a mark that endured far beyond the field.

Entrepreneurship and Community Impact

Johnny’s entrepreneurial spirit continued to grow and ultimately led him to co-found 4Quartersonline with his partner, Marc Adams. What began as an idea became a groundbreaking digital media platform that transformed coverage of high school sports in Tallahassee and across the North Florida/Big Bend region. The digital platform included:

• Live game streams that expanded access to local sports coverage

• Season previews and coach interviews that highlighted teams and leadership

• Annual Media Day events for football, flag football, and basketball that celebrated student-Athletes.

Through this work, Johnny did more than cover sports; he honored the stories of young people, celebrated their accomplishments, and created something that brought the community closer together.

Personal Interests

In his free time, Johnny found joy in all thing’s sports, especially football, as well as good conversation, good food, and time shared with friends. He also cherished fellowship with a group called The Gathering, whose mission is to encourage men to honor God’s faithfulness and remain grateful in all seasons. What began as a gathering of Rickards alumni has since grown to include men from all backgrounds, reflecting the welcoming spirit Johnny valued so deeply.

LEGACY AND IMPACT

Johnny’s legacy will live on not only in his children and grandchildren, but also in the countless lives he touched: the athletes he encouraged, the coaches he supported, the families he uplifted, and the community he helped strengthen. His story is one of passion, generosity, and a deep belief in the power of people and their stories.

Because of Johnny’s vision, preseason Media Days became a tradition that athletes and coaches looked forward to every year in Tallahassee and Panama City. It wasn’t just an event; it was a stage where young people could feel proud, recognized, and inspired.

Through those traditions and the people, he poured into, Johnny’s influence will continue to be felt for generations.

Johnny is survived by his devoted wife: Edna Lucille Cofield; two daughters: Janine R. (Luqman) Falah and Candice N. (Duane) Griffiths; one son: Michael D. Cofield; four grandchildren: Samiyah and La’Riyah Falah, Jasmine Griffiths, and Luqman Amer Falah II; mother: Freddie Mae Cofield; mother-in-love: Ruth Bradley Armstrong, all of Tallahassee, FL; one brother: Cedric G. (Toni) Cofield of Beaufort, SC; two sisters: Sharon (Derrick) Donaldson and Natasha (Charles) Wilkins, both of Tallahassee, FL; two uncles: Freddie Cofield, Philadelphia, PA, and Willie (Gaby) Wiggins of Fairfield, CA; four aunts: Willie Mae Fedd and Lillie Mae Dixon, both of Tallahassee, FL, Idella (Willie) Fort and Christine Calloway, both of Douglasville, GA; one adopted brother: Charlton Irvin; two adopted daughters: Tonetta Scott and Lacacia (Brandon) Swan; and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members, friends, and business associates who will forever cherish his memory.

It is our esteemed honor to have been entrusted with the care of Mr. Cofield and to serve the Cofield family.