OBITUARY
Bobby Leon Coleman
November 14, 1937 – February 21, 2021
Lt. Col. Bobby Leon Coleman, United States Marine Corps (Retired), age 83, of South Knoxville, passed away, February 21, 2021 at home surrounded by his family. Bob was a native of Knoxville, Tennessee born to Roy Victor and Mattie Irene Knight Coleman. He was a graduate of South High School in 1955 and graduated with a BA in Mathematics from Vanderbilt University in 1961 as a recipient of the Naval Enlisted Scientific Education Program. He went on to complete his studies with a MS in Math Education and a PhD of Philosophy in Education from the University of Tennessee in 1991. Bob was a Marine Corps Officer of 25 years, who served two tours in Vietnam and flew 330 combat missions in the Skyhawk and A-6 Intruder. He was the recipient of 21 Air Medals including the Distinguished Flying Cross. He was also a tenured professor of math and statistics for 25 years at Pellissippi State Technical Community College. Bob was a life time member and deacon at Sevier Heights Baptist Church and was active in the church choir. He enjoyed time with his wife and daughters as an All Star Coach and Commissioner of Bobby Sox Softball.
Bob was survived by the love of his life for 64 years, Emma Lue "Boots" Ott Coleman; loving daughters, Cathy Mayo (Bobby), Cheryl Farrow (Jeff) and Julie Stephenson (Douglas); son-in-law, Clark Schweer; grandchildren, Samantha, Jennifer (Hayden), Jason (Denise), Benjamin (Kate), Ashley (Patrick), Lucas (Sarah) and Jacob (Sierra); great-grandchildren, Camden, McCoy, Jett, Layla, Hunter, Banner, Kylie, Mackenzie and Liberty.
The family will receive friends Wednesday, February 24, 2021 from 4 to 7 pm with a celebration of life to follow at 7 pm in the chapel of Berry Funeral Home; Rev. Charlie McNutt officiating. Family and friends will meet at East Tennessee Veterans Cemetery Thursday, February 25, 2021 at 2pm for interment services with full military honors.
Arrangements by Berry Funeral Home, 3704 Chapman Highway, Knoxville, Tennessee 37920. Online condolences may be made at www.berryfuneralhome.com.
FAMILY
- Emma Lue "Boots" Ott Coleman, Wife
- Cathy Mayo (Bobby), Daughter
- Cheryl Farrow (Jeff), Daughter
- Julie Stephenson (Douglas), Daughter
- Clark Schweer, Son-in-law
- Grandchildren, Samantha, Jennifer (Hayden), Jason (Denise), Benjamin (Kate), Ashley (Patrick), Lucas (Sarah) and Jacob (Sierra); great-grandchildren, Camden, McCoy, Jett, Layla, Hunter, Banner, Kylie, Mackenzie and Liberty.
Services
| 25 February |
Graveside Service2:00 pm East Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery |
PREVIOUS SERVICES:
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Visitation
Wednesday, February 24, 2021
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Celebration of Life
Wednesday, February 24, 2021
Memories
Bobby Leon Coleman
have a memory or condolence to add?
ADD A MEMORYAshley Boone
February 25, 2021
Boots,
I am so sorry to hear of Bob's passing. He definitely was a bright light in my life. I feel blessed to have called him coworker/friend. Many thoughts and prayers being sent your way!
Ashley
Jonathan Fowler
February 25, 2021
I had the pleasure to work with Dr. Coleman twenty years ago when I became faculty at Pellissippi State. My office was adjacent to his in the red portable building at the Blount Campus (Bungalow). I fondly remember how much he seemed to enjoy what he was doing (most days) and his wit was as sharp as his eyes were expressive. Those were good times and I learned a lot about integrity and the teaching profession by watching his lead. May he rest in peace.
Gealon Thomas
February 24, 2021
Bob loved sharing emails, as you all know. They never failed to make me laugh, make me cry.... or more often than not, both!
Debbie Fowler Chadwick
February 22, 2021
So very sorry! He was a wonderful man and loved by so many
Stephanie Elswick
February 22, 2021
Boots, Ashley, and Family,
What a wonderful and fun man in every way. We had some great times and laughs together in choir. Bob was always a true and honest man and you had no question on what he stood for. My love and prayers are with you all. Please find comfort in knowing he is singing in the choir of his life right now.