He was born April 29, 1930 in Booneville, Arkansas, to parents Arthur Dale and Ollie Trickett Byrd. He was one of eight children born to Arthur Byrd. He attended public schools in Magazine, participating in basketball and track in high school, and graduating with a class of 13 students. He moved to Fort Smith for employment, spent several years in the Army, and was discharged in 1950. While visiting his parents in Booneville, he met (and later married) Joy Lee Bell. They were married in 1951. Coleman worked many years for Hammond Sheet Metal and Three States Supply before retiring in his 70s. He was a longtime member of Eastside Baptist Church.
Coleman is survived by his wife, Joy; one daughter, Cheryl (Don) Lehman of Van Buren, and one son, Ron (Terri) Byrd of Nashville, Arkansas; grandchildren John (Samantha) Lehman of Van Buren; Jacob (Rachel) Lehman of Fort Smith; Lindsey (Justin) Robbins of Emmett, AR; Kelly (Michael) Taylor of Batesville, AR; and Chris (Jennifer) Gates of Nashville, AR. He is also survived by great grandchildren Laikyn, Tori, Marley, Hayden, Dawson, Jagger, Nadia, Kambri, Dylan, Gracie and Gavin; and one great-great grandchild, Gunner.
He was preceded in death by siblings Bonnie Springer, Carmel Mills, Conley Byrd, Hazel Wilson, Dale Byrd, Elsie Scrudder, and Garvin Byrd. He was also preceded in death by one granddaughter, Amy Byrd-Kerr.
Family visitation will be 5-7 pm Monday, August 15 at Edwards Funeral Home. Private family burial at National Cemetery will be at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please donate to a church or charity of your choice.
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