Born on May 13, 1961, in Statesboro, GA, Al was the son of Martha Sue Parrish Coleman and Franklin Coleman. He excelled in school, graduating as Valedictorian of the class of ’79 at Portal High School. He attended Georgia Southern University and graduated in 1985 with his Bachelors of Business Administration – Marketing.
Al lived life with everything he had. A gifted singer and songwriter who always loved music, Al moved to Nashville, TN, after graduating from college. He spent years as a soloist and active member of Christ Church Choir, and he enjoyed taking part in numerous musical opportunities and recording sessions over the years.
Ultimately, Al found his calling as a tour guide. He led student groups all over Washington, DC, New York City, and other areas of the country. Al’s charm, humor, exuberant personality, attention to detail, and his dedication to his craft made him a highly requested tour guide. He touched and inspired so many people, both on tour and at home.
Al was predeceased by his parents, Martha Sue Parrish Coleman and Albert Franklin Coleman, Jr., his brother, Michael Rupert Coleman, his Aunt Linda Fay Parrish Hunnicutt, his Aunt Joan Coleman Brinson and Uncle Bob Brinson, his maternal grandparents, Rupert and Rachel Wilson Parrish, his paternal grandparents, Albert and Madge Zeigler Coleman, and other beloved family members.
Al will forever be lovingly remembered by his sister, Melissa Coleman (Desmond Bailey), cousins Pam and Jeff Spence and family, cousins Julie and Tracy Mixon and family, and other cousins and family members, along with countless friends and loved ones.
Al Coleman was and will always be an inspiration. He had health challenges that could overwhelm most people, but he looked those challenges in the eye and smiled – and he never let them dim his spirit or his zest for life. His smile and positive attitude could light up a room.
He lived his life with a sense of adventure. Al was a dreamer, a singer, a prolific writer, and an avid sports fan – particularly of the Georgia Southern Eagles, Georgia Bulldogs, and Portal Panthers (in no particular order). He enjoyed a good meal – home cooking and dining out, and Al loved watching movies. He never met a stranger, and he knew how to make you laugh with his witty humor. Al deeply loved his family and friends and would do anything for them.
Al’s passing leaves a tremendous void, but we take comfort in imagining the celebration taking place in Heaven. His journey has not ended. Rather, his path has just parted from ours for now.
In Al’s words: When you think of Al Coleman, please allow a smile to form, because that’s how he lived life … with a constant smile.
A gathering of friends and family will be held Saturday evening 5-7 p.m. at Hodges-Moore Funeral Home.
The funeral service will be held Sunday at 3:00 p.m. in the chapel of Hodges-Moore Funeral Home with Reverends Tom Osbourne and Scott Smith officiating.
Burial will be in Bulloch Memorial Gardens.
Please visit our online memorial at WWW.hodgesmoore.com to sign the guestbook and share fond memories with the Coleman Family.
Hodges-Moore Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
