Alfred "Crick" Bentley Coleman

Alfred “Crick” Bentley Coleman, 84, of Madison Heights, passed away, Saturday, March 22, 2014, at his residence surrounded by his family. He was the husband of Rebecca Hurt Coleman. Born June 23, 1929, in Monroe, he was the son of the late Wiley Newton and Ola Wingfield Coleman. Alfred was a real estate broker, auctioneer, appraiser and president of ABC Realty Inc. and a founder and charter member of West View Baptist Church. He was also a member of the Clinton Masonic Lodge #73 in Amherst, Amherst/Monroe Ruritan Club, Amherst Chapter #115, OES, Fairview Rebekah Lodge #52, the former T. Wiley Davis Lodge Odd Fellows Lodge No.1 of Madison Heights, and he was 32nd degree Scottish Rite member. Alfred also served our country in the US Army during the Korean War with the 474th SIGNAL Aviation Construction Company. Alfred’s special qualities were a thirst for knowledge, charisma, generosity and a sense of humor. He also loved trains; he never met a stranger, and he loved his family and friends. In addition to his parents, Alfred was preceded in death by his infant son, Alfred B. Coleman, Jr.; and six siblings, James, Newton, Virgil, Curtis, Willie and Elizabeth C. Brizendine. In addition to his wife, Alfred is survived by his daughters, Susan Bentley Coleman of Forest and Belva Coleman Short and her husband Darryl of Madison Heights; five grandchildren, John Thomas Bentley Tucker and his wife Christie of Appomattox, Matthew Doss Wooldridge of Roanoke, Adam Jared Wooldridge of Lynchburg, Cody Davidson Short of Madison Heights and Amber Marie Short of Charlottesville; one brother, Thomas E. Coleman and his wife Joyce of Madison Heights; one sister, Christine C. Hutchison of Greensboro, NC; sister-in-law, Margie C. Coleman of Monroe; and numerous nieces and nephews. A funeral service with Masonic Rites will be conducted, 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, March 25, 2014, at Whitten Monelison Chapel with the Rev. D. Jack Hamilton officiating. Interment will follow at Amherst Cemetery, where Military Honors will be presented by the American Legion Post 16. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service from 10-11 a.m., Tuesday, March 25, 2014 and at other times at the residence. Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Research Foundation or a charity of one’s choice.