Joe Thomas Coleman

Born February 8, 1938, to the late Ted and Violet Mae Coleman, Joe served as an engineer in the Army with overseas deployments before joining TVA in Huntsville, Alabama. He then moved to Knoxville where he spent most of his professional career. In addition to his career, Joe was passionate about his family and his fitness—even competing in and winning bench press competitions on a national level. Joe was at TVA for more than 25 years before retiring and moving to Sarasota, Florida. In Florida, he continued his lifelong passion for fitness by becoming a certified personal trainer. He directed his love of fitness into helping others by working at retirement communities where he trained the elderly to stay fit and exercise to help with their quality of life.

Joe was passionate about the University of Kentucky and was an encyclopedia of facts and statistics on UK basketball. He was a letterman in high school, which contributed to his lifelong love of the sport. His passion for Kentucky trickled down to his children and grandchildren who will carry it on.

Joe loved his family deeply and was always present for his kids and grandkids—not missing one birthday, one opportunity to coach a team, or one family event. Family was central to Joe’s life, and he was a nurturer at his core. He will be remembered for being intentional in all things. He took extra pride in his grandchildren. They have fond memories of trips to the zoo, aquarium, parks, circus, and various shows that Joe would take them to. He was their number 1 fan in their activities and sports. Both his kids and grandchildren would tell you he had a love for Elvis and watching Westerns.

He loved and cherished his time in Florida on the bay; he particularly loved the water and being by the boats. In his last years, his dedication to strict dieting from years of fitness was replaced by his love of pizza and sweet treats that he enjoyed over daily conversations with his son, Joey.

In addition to his parents, Joe was preceded in death by two brothers, Larry Coleman and Herbert Coleman; sister, Violet Yvonne Osborne.

Joe is survived by three children, Joseph Coleman, David Coleman, Sandy (Scott) Hennessy,; grandchildren, Devan Coleman (Matt) Carney, Demi Coleman (Caleb) Longley, Ava Layne, Addy Hennessy; great grandchildren, Brynlee and Ellie Carney.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Wounded Warriors Project or the local DAV chapter performing honors at the memorial service. Their address is: Chapter 166 John’s Creek, Attn: Richard Harvey, Adjutant, 1186 Burning Fork Road, Pikeville, KY 41501.

A graveside memorial service will be held at 2:00 on Saturday, April 19 at Johnson Memorial Cemetery in Pikeville, Kentucky. Online condolences and fond memories may be shared with the Coleman family at www.berryfuneralhome.com

Berry Funeral Home

3704 Chapman Highway

Knoxville, TN 37920

865-577-6666