Deacon Taft Arnold Coghill, Sr; affectionately known to some as "Taffy," was the son of the late James Andrew and Nannie Louise Tolliver Coghill. He was born on January 26, 1949 in Caroline County, Virginia and transitioned to heaven from VCU Health, Richmond, Virginia on Sunday, March 21, 2021. He was preceded in death by his parents, infant son; bothers: Russell, Troy, and Michael; and his beloved first wife, Carol.

Deacon Coghill was baptized at an early age at Shiloh Baptist Church, Bowling Green, Virginia under the pastorate of the late Dr. A. P. Young. Ordained as a Deacon on December 17, 2005, he held serval offices including Church Treasurer, Manage of the Men's Chorus, Bible Study and Adult Sunday School teacher and Chairman of the Deacon Board. He dearly loved his church and fully supported it even during the Covid 19 pandemic—he was able to listen to the Sunday School lesson on the day he transitioned.

Taft attended Caroline County public schools and graduated from Union High School, Bowling Green, VA in June, 1967. He played both football and basketball, was in the Band, and sang on the School Chorus. Following graduation, he attended Norfolk State College for one year after which he was drafted into the United States Army in 1969. He was in active combat in the Vietnam War, attaining the rank of Sargeant. He often said that his secondary training as a cook brought him out of the "bush" and probably saved his life as well. Taft was honorably discharged in May, 1971.

Upon returning to civilian life, he eventually became a federal employee at General Services Administration, Springfield/ Franconia, VA. Due to health challenges, he retired at 15 years from G.S.A. but continued working on other jobs as his health permitted.

He said many times that God was a provider and was so good to him in that he endured 15 years of dialysis followed by a kidney transplant over 16 years ago.

Taft was an avid football fan – the Redskins (now Washington Football Team)—win or lose—was his favorite team.

Deacon Coghill was lovingly and happily married to Carol Jean Foster for 47 years until she was called home in July, 2016. He later remarried LaVerne Bates Coghill on March 2, 2019. They enjoyed two very short, but very loving and happy years of marriage that ended when he was called home.

Taft also had a few classmates and later fellow veteran buddies, as well, that preceded him in death: Floyd Wilson, Arthur "Lee Lee" Jones, Dennis Osborn, and Jerry Ferguson. They were truly buddies to the end.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, LaVerne; sons: Alvin (Margaret), Anthony (A'Dan), and Taft, Jr. (Talya); step-son, David W. Carter; step-daughter: Nicole C. Armstrong (Steven, Jr.); grandchildren: LaBarbara Fuller, Emoni Coghill, Jamal Coghill, and Toni "Puddin Pop" Coghill; step-grandchildren: Omari Smith, Brandon Smith, Vanessa Lewis, Valencia Lewis and Carter Amiyah Armstrong; step-great grandchildren: Janaya Ross and Jonathan Ross, Jr.: Sister; Arenda Rolax (Richard); brother-in-law, John Foster; sisters-in-law: A. Vernell Frenzley (Willie) and Margie B. French (Frank); Uncle Charles Gray; and a host of others "like" children, sisters and brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins, close friends, "Back Road" neighbors and their extended families, and other relatives and friends, too numerous to mention by name for fear of leaving some one out.

Taft, Sr. had a huge heart and will always be remembered. As he sang at many funerals, there's a leak in Taft's old building and his soul had to move to a building not made by man's hands. Good night dear Taft—take your rest and we will see you in the morning.

A walk through viewing will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, March 26, 2021 at Shiloh Baptist Church, 127 South Main Street, Bowling Green, Virginia 22427.

Homegoing Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 27, 2021 at Caroline High School Stadium, 19155 Rogers Clark Blvd; Milford, Virginia 22514. Livestreaming will be available on C W Edwards Funeral Home Facebook page.

Due to COVID 19 a mask or face covering is required for all services.

Interment will take place at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 1, 2021 at Quantico National Cemetery, 18424 Joplin Road, Triangle, VA 22172.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Shiloh Baptist Church Building Fund, P. O. Box 177, Bowling Green, Virginia 22427.