Hollis Coleman

With profound sadness, we announce the passing of Hollis Delano Coleman, who passed away on July 23, 2026, at the age of 84, surrounded by the love of his family. Born on January 27, 1942, in Miami, Florida, Hollis was the beloved son of Henry Coleman and Bertie Mae Coleman and son-in-law to Richard and Frances Kim.

From an early age, he demonstrated a passion for athletics, leadership, and hard work—qualities that would define both his career and his life. Hollis attended McArthur High School, Home of The Mustangs in Hollywood, Florida. He was an exceptional athlete, he earned All-American and All-County honors as a football player. During his childhood years, his siblings gave him the name “Hoggie,” a name that stayed with him throughout his life, and one that many lifelong friends still affectionately called him decades later.

An exceptional athlete, captain of the football team, as well as he earned All County honors and MVP with the Sun-Tattler as a

football player, and many more, beginning a legacy that would span decades. Following graduation, Hollis followed his beloved high school mentor, Coach Huggins to Pratt Junior College, where he continued to excel on the football field. His outstanding achievements earned him induction into the Pratt Junior College Hall of Fame. When his coach accepted a position at Hardin–Simmons University, Hollis transferred there to continue both his education and football career.

It was at Hardin–Simmons that he met his wife, Toni.

After graduating from college, Hollis and Toni moved to Huntsville, Alabama, where he began his career as a teacher and high school football coach. After several years, he accepted a head coach position in Guntersville, Alabama, where his leadership helped guide the football program to a championship, establishing his reputation as an outstanding coach and mentor.

Although he found success in Alabama, Hollis always dreamed of returning home to South Florida. That dream became a reality in 1971 when he returned to Hollywood, Florida, to help open the newly established Cooper City High School as its Head Football Coach. He later served as the school’s Athletic Director, dedicating the remainder of his distinguished career to education and athletics while creating a culture of excellence that would leave a lasting mark on the school and community. For generations of students, athletes, coaches, and colleagues, Coach Coleman was far more than a football coach. He was a mentor, teacher, disciplinarian, role model, and friend. His influence extended well beyond the playing field, shaping the lives of countless young men and women who carried his lessons into adulthood. While Hollis took tremendous pride in his coaching accomplishments, nothing meant more to him than his family. He shared a loving marriage of 61 years with his devoted wife, Toni Coleman, and was a proud father to Holly Coleman Zakaib ( John Martin) and ex son-in-law Robert Zakaib, and Kass Correa (Eddie). He was a cherished grandfather to Liana Babadi (Jake), Andra Zakaib, Madison Correa, Morgan Correa, Case Correa, Cole Correa, and Jordan Zakaib, and a proud great grandfather to Henry Babadi and Amira Babadi, whose lives brought him immeasurable joy.

Hollis is also survived by his loving siblings, Ceceil Wyrick, Gene Coleman (Ouida); sister-in-law Linda Trammell, Jacque deVries ( Nick deVries), sister-in-law Carolyn Coleman, along with many nieces, nephews, extended family members, former players, colleagues, and lifelong friends whose lives were enriched by knowing him. Hollis is preceded in death by James Coleman, Jerrell Coleman, Laverne Denmark, Patsy Coleman, Jay Wyrick, Robert Denmark, Dan Trammell. Hollis will be remembered for his unwavering integrity, quiet strength, competitive spirit, and deep love for his family, his students, and the game of football. His legacy lives on not only in the victories he achieved on the field, but in the character he inspired in the generations of young people he coached and mentored. His impact will continue to be felt for years to come through the countless lives he touched.

A celebration of Hollis’s life will be held at his home 5041 Southwest 111th Terrace Davie, Florida 33328 on August 8, 2026 at 4:00 p.m.

Family, friends, former players, colleagues, and all whose lives he influenced are invited to gather in remembrance and

celebration of his life.

Though he is no longer with us, Hollis’s spirit will forever remain in the hearts of his family, friends, students, and every athlete fortunate enough to have called him “Coach.