Gary Coleman, Sr.

Palmyra:

Gary Coleman, Sr. was born October 25th, 1947 to Ida L. and Joseph E. Coleman (predeceased). He passed away peacefully on November 4th, 2016 at the age of 69, with his wife and a host of family members by his side.  He is also predeceased by his brother Joseph E. Coleman, Jr. and sister Sandra L. Lofton.

He was a loving husband, father (4), grandfather (12) and great-grandfather (5). He is survived by his Wife; Mary Coleman; His siblings Patricia A. Coleman-Jones, Jean Alligood-Dorsey, Theodore W. Coleman, Linda E. Nobles,  Dennis J. Coleman (Eleanor), Anthony Coleman (Tobisa), and Tracy C. Coleman. Children; (Alma B. Coleman) Kelly L. Coleman, Candra M. Coleman, Gary Coleman, Jr. and Tamika Coleman-Knox (Douglas). Grandchildren; Uryah M. Ross-Simmons, Alandra M. Ross-Simmons, Da'Najia L. Robinson, Latydra C.M. Coleman, Xavier S. Coleman, Shi'Anne A. Coleman, Nia A. Coleman, G'Avonah A. Coleman, Ma'Kayla A. Coleman, Brayden A. Coleman, Kalaiyah Knox and Ka'Sarrah Knox. Great-grandchildren Zoi'Ana M. Coleman, Zachary D. Coleman, Zane C. Rogers, Jeremiah I. Watkins and Anyah N. Watkins. Stepson; Robert Vickers and grandchild Ryan Vickers. Host of nieces, nephews cousins and devoted friends.

Gary enlisted in the United States Coast Guard in September 1967 until October 1971. He served during the Vietnam War; and was awarded the Purple Heart while performing his duties. He worked for Kodak and National Ambulance; before moving on to work for Regional Transit Service in 1973 where he retired as a Road Supervisor in 2002. He was most enthusiastic about his family and those closest to him. Gary loved nature, being outside, cooking and was also passionate for building and fixing things with the various tools he enjoyed using. Gary was loved and will always be missed by many that knew him. His playful sense of humor and love for his family will play through our minds throughout the years.

As we reflect on our individual experiences and memories with Gary, let's remember first his bravery and courage. The imprint of love he has left on our lives will forever remain. In his very own words "Never goodbye always see you later!!!!!"

Poem:

A Whisper in the Wind

By Candra Coleman

In the early summer morning the sun slowly rising, the birds chirping a sweet melody

I heard a whisper in the wind

With a soft rustle of leaves, the smell of flowers and fresh cut grass

I heard a whisper in the wind

As I stood in the midst of the field so full of life,

I heard a sweet voice saying, 'Take my hand and follow me home for it is time."

And as I reached out my hand and took the first step

I too became a whisper in the wind.

Friends and family will gather for a time of visitation, on Wednesday, November  9, 2016 from 4-8PM at the Murphy Funeral & Cremation Chapel, 1040 State Route 31, Macedon, NY 14502, where a funeral service will be offered on Thursday, November 10, 2016 at 11AM. Interment will be private at Pine Hill Cemetery in Rush, NY.  Online condolences may be left at www.murphyfuneralservices.com.