Coleman Ira Pickle, age 89, of McDonough, GA, passed away peacefully October 24, 2021 with his loving family by his side. Coleman was born November 13, 1931 in Smithville, Mississippi, to the late Andrew Carlos Pickle and Minnie Ola Higgins Pickle. Coleman was preceded in death by the love of his life and wife of 61 years, Gloria Faye Bush Pickle. He was also preceded by 11 brothers and sisters.
Survivors include his daughters and sons-in-law, Jeanie (Randy) Smith of Newnan, Ann (Bill) Cook of McDonough, and Nena (Andy) Harris of Griffin; his grandchildren, Jonathan (Soleil) Smith of Chattahoochee Hills, Monica (Jimmy) Hawkins of McDonough, and Sophe (Dusty) Pope of McDonough; his beloved great-grandchildren, Ellie Ann Pope, Mamie Cole Pope, Ember Adaline Smith, Hazel Lane Pope, Gladie Pearl Pope, and Colton Ira Smith; his sister, Mary Roberts of Ocean Springs, MS., and several nieces and nephews.
After marrying Gloria in 1952, Coleman served his country in the U.S. Army for two years, based in New York. He was so proud to have served his country. He then went to work driving a truck for Colonial Stores, where he retired in 1992 after 39 years.
Coleman was a devoted servant of the Lord. He loved his church, McDonough First United Methodist Church, where he faithfully served in several roles, including youth director alongside Gloria for 14 years, long-term chaperone for the youth at Shingleroof, breakfast cook for the Men’s Club, and more. He was also a proud member of the Billy Fields Bob Lynch Sunday School Class for well over 50 years, as well as a life member of the United Methodist Men’s Club.
Coleman was an avid story teller, and beautiful singer. He was especially fond of old country and gospel music, having written several songs himself. He loved his family very much and enjoyed gardening, cooking, and volunteering for Meals on Wheels. To know Coleman was to love him. A devoted husband, “Daddy”, “Grandaddy”, “Pickle” (great-grandaddy), uncle, and friend, he was loved and adored by so many.
He taught us all so much, but perhaps the most significant was his unwavering faith and love of Jesus Christ. He leaves an incredible legacy of faith that will live on for generations to come in his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, friends, and family. How blessed we all are to have known and loved him.
“The Lord has been so good to me.”, -Coleman Pickle
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, October 27, 2021- 1:00 at the McDonough First United Methodist Church. Interment will follow at Eastlawn Memorial Park. Friends may visit the family one hour prior to the service at the church. Contributions may be made to McDonough First United Methodist Church or Shingleroof Campground in memory of Mr. Pickle.