Christopher Girard Coleman

Christopher Girard Coleman Christopher Girard Coleman, affectionately known as "Chris," was born to LeeFone & Queen Esther Coleman on April 15, 1970, in Dillon, SC, at St. Eugene Hospital. He passed away on September 7, 2024, in Arlington, TX, a state he has called home since 1999. Chris leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and unwavering dedication to his family and friends. Chris grew up in Latta, SC, where he attended Latta area schools and graduated from Latta High School with the Class of 1988.

His leadership and sense of duty were evident early on, as he joined the JROTC in the 9th grade. This experience laid the foundation for his distinguished military service. In February 1989, Chris enlisted in the United States Army, proudly serving for 11 years. His military career began at Fort Leonard Wood, MO, and took him to Fort Ord, CA, Manheim, Germany, and culminated at Fort Drum, NY, in 1999.

Throughout his time in the Army, he worked in logistics, demonstrating his skill and commitment to serving his country. Over his years of service, he developed many special relationships and lifelong brotherhood with men like Terrill Goodwine and Hubert Bynum. Following his military service, Chris explored a few career paths, but his most notable and cherished role was as a truck driver, beginning in 2001. Behind the wheel of his beloved truck, "Stallion," Chris traveled the country, adopting the handle "Turbo" and building strong connections with fellow truckers, such as Louis Austin, Gary Moseley and Karl Simmons to name just a few. His love for adventure, combined with a relentless work ethic and a passion for earning a living, defined much of his professional life. He embraced every opportunity to travel the open road, always chasing the next horizon.

At a young age, Chris became a member of Bethel AME Church in Dillon, SC, while also attending Fork Chapel AME Church in the Temperance Hill Community of Marion, SC. His faith provided him with the foundation to navigate life’s highs and lows, offering him strength, peace, and purpose. Chris will be remembered for his quirky personality and sense of humor, often playing the role of the family jokester and always a charmer. One of his famous lines, "My sister got all the brains, and I got all the beauty," could instantly brighten any room. Whether through humor or compassion, Chris moved through life with a servant's heart and had a gift for connecting with people, making them laugh, and offering a listening ear. His self-proclaimed status as a Sports Guru and "international player" added to his larger-than-life persona, and he left a lasting impression on all who knew him.

Chris is survived by those who will forever hold him in their hearts: his wife, Tracy Fox Coleman; his son, DiiAvin Christopher Coleman of Grand Prairie, TX; and his devoted parents, LeeFone Coleman and Queen Esther Wright Coleman of Latta, SC. He is also survived by his siblings, Wendy (David) Coleman Blue of Raleigh, NC, Marcus (Tomeka) Coleman of Latta, SC, and Tabitha Coleman of New Orleans, LA.

His brother, David Coleman, preceded him in death.

Chris will be fondly remembered by his aunts, Lula Coleman of Latta, SC, and Delois (Lamar) Horne of Florence, SC; his uncles, John Wright of Dillon, SC, and William Wright of Columbia, SC; his special cousins, Ruby Lee Davis of Latta, SC and Terry Birch of Needville, TX; his nieces, Nakira Coleman of Spartanburg, SC, Jade Blue of Raleigh, NC, Alexis Blue of Raleigh, NC, and Marian Scott of Rock Hill, SC; his nephew, Jordan Coleman of Latta, SC and a host of cousins and other family and friends. His childhood friends, Lee Paige and Ruthy Legette, also hold cherished memories of their lifelong bond. Christopher Girard Coleman lived a life full of humor, heart, and honor.

Though he will be deeply missed, his spirit and memory will continue to inspire those fortunate enough to have known him. Rest in peace, Christopher. You will forever be remembered.

A visitation for Christopher will take place on Thursday, September 19, 2024 from 10:00 am-2:00 pm in Grand Prairie Funeral Home, in the chapel, located at 733 Dalworth St, Grand Prairie, TX 75050. Services in South Carolina to be announced.