Joe Carter Coleman

JOE CARTER COLEMAN

Born October 7, 1925 in Kirvin, Texas, Joe Carter was the son of Luther Clifford and Sally Elizabeth (Carter) Coleman. He graduated from Kirvin High School in 1943 and enlisted in the United States Navy at age 19. He was involved in the Philippines and Okinawa invasions. Joe was honorably discharged on July 2, 1946 as a Shipfitter 3rd Class.

After his military years, Joe returned to Texas where his brothers introduced him to Mary Ann Wooldridge. It was a love story that would last over seven decades. Joe and Mary Ann married on May 12, 1951 in Fairfield, Texas. They made their home in Fort Worth and welcomed two children: Diann Mae (1959) and Sharon Elizabeth (1964).

Joe began working as a pole repairman with Southwestern Bell Telephone in Fort Worth, Texas in 1951. His career advanced as the communications company changed to AT&T. After 35 years, Joe retired in 1986 as a regional manager and was celebrated with a reception by colleagues and family at the AT&T Downtown Dallas Offices.

A proud Texas Christian University alumni, he was the first in his family to graduate from college. He earned a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in 1967. In 1974, the family moved to Arlington.

A Christian and member of Northside Baptist Church, later renamed Lamar Baptist Church in Arlington, Texas, Joe was involved in several church committees and faithfully served as an ordained church deacon. He was officially ordained as a deacon at Broadway Baptist Church in Fort Worth, where Joe, Mary and their daughters attended for many years.

Joe helped work the family farm in Freestone County as a boy and enjoyed spending hours outside hunting and fishing. His passion for the great outdoors continued throughout his adult life and also included city gardening, bird watching, and woodworking. He was a talented “handyman” and “fixer” of numerous projects.

Joe “Papa” is survived by his wife of 71 years, Mary Ann of Arlington; daughters Diann Coleman-Whaley and husband Jay of Arlington, and Sharon Coleman-Conway and husband Tony of Mabank, Texas. Grandsons Michael Jay and wife Ashlie Greenlee-Whaley of Mansfield and David Andrew Whaley of Titusville, Florida. Granddaughters Danielle Conway-Cooley and husband Justin of Southlake and Madison Conway-Wolfe and husband Alexander of Parrish, Florida. Great-grandsons Callan Michael and Andrew Stephen Whaley of Mansfield and Landon Matthew and Logan Ray Cooley of Southlake. Sister Floys Dean Coleman-Little of Teague, Texas and numerous nieces and nephews, as well as friends and caregivers.

He is preceded in death by his parents; brothers Alfred, Randall, Jim Wallace, Ferney, and Edwin Coleman; sister Francis Coleman-Christian; and grandson Stephen Joe Whaley.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Heart and Diabetes Foundations, a favorite charity or Lamar Baptist Church.

A visitation for Joe will be held Wednesday, April 26, 2023 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Moore Funeral Home, 1219 North Davis Drive, Arlington, TX 76012, followed by a funeral service at 2:00 PM.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.moore-funeralhome.com for the Coleman family.