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Charlie Coles Obituary
No cause of death was reported immediately, but Coles had a history of heart issues.
The two-time Mid-American Conference coach of the year had 263 victories at Miami. He also was the Mid-American Conference's all-time leader. He had a career record of 355-308 over 22 seasons at Miami and Central Michigan.
Coles retired in March 2012, following the Redhawks' first-round loss at Toledo in the first round of the conference tournament. He coached Miami 16 for seasons, with a record of 263-224.
Coles' Miami team made a longshot run into the NCAA tournament's round of 16 in 1999, led by future NBA forward Wally Szczerbiak. Miami lost to Kentucky.
Coles had heart problems for years, missing the end of the 2008-09 season because of health problems. He had four operations in the next few months, one to reshape his heart. He recovered and returned to coaching, getting a contract extension.
The school hired John Cooper from Tennessee State last year to succeed him.
He is survived by his wife Delores, son Chris and daughter Mary Bennett, and four grandchildren, the school said.
Copyright © 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
71 Entries
jeffrey roberts
August 7, 2013
one of the best coaches and a fine christian human being
Marsha Calloway
July 17, 2013
Sorry for the lost, of a Great man Charlie Coles. We went too the same Church in Saginaw Mich. At GWT..
Danny Calloway
July 10, 2013
Coach, you will be truly missed. I lived across the street from SHS and you gave us so much pride in the team. Chris hit that buzzer beater for BVHS and that made you smile. Thanks Coach. We'll miss you
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Lynda Cooper Harvey
July 3, 2013
I will miss Coach Coles :(, one of the most memorable and influential coaches. Many of us SHS Trojans have you to thank for helping us to become respectful men and women. I will always remember you on our shared birthday February 6. May God usher your soul into the kingdom safely. RIH. Job well done. With pure LOVE!
COACH CHARLIE COLES WAS A GENTLEMAN AND GREAT COA YOU WILL BE MISSED. MY PRAYERS GOES OUT TO MRS. COLES AND YOUR CHILDREN COACH. LOVE YOU. RIP COACH.
YVETTE GRANBERRY
July 3, 2013
YVETTE GRANBERRY
Alma Thomas-Sanders
June 19, 2013
With deepest Sympathy SHS c/o 1976
Eric Collins
June 15, 2013
Once a Trojan always a Trojan the man that brought basketball pride to the High! R.I.P coach Coles the City of Saginaw loves u
Rob Mestas
June 12, 2013
Coach Coles....The most influential male figure that I ever had the privelage of knowing. You not only taught me how to be a Man, but you taught me the importance of being a respectable and honorable Man! I love you Coach and will forever be indebted to you! RIP Coles! May God Bless Charlie Coles and his family :(
June 12, 2013
Coach's legacy will forever be a part of Miami University R.I.P. coach Coles
Michael Mitchell Columbus Oh
June 12, 2013
CONDOLENCE TO THE FAMILY,"HAPPY ARE THE MERICIFUL,SINCE THEY WILL BE SHOW MERCY.".MATT.5:7..HOPEFULLY These WORDS WILL BE OF COMFORT TO YOU...MS.
Dezie McClung
June 11, 2013
Loved you all my life, will never forget you and what you did for me as a young boy, young man,and for my life as a man
Dezie McClung
June 11, 2013
Mr.C may you rest in peace my love and respect goes out to you and the Coles family.Thanks Coach Coles for all the good times we had you reached that goal a true champion you was love always R.I.P
Rodney White
June 11, 2013
Coach Coles the world stood silent on your departure, so many lives you have touch, you will forever be miss with a smile. (formerly from Saginaw High, Mich)
Ivory Winters
June 10, 2013
Praises and honor to my Lord and savior Jesus Christ. Special prayers to the Coles' family. Coach Coles your positive energy radiated everywhere you went. You touched so many lives. Your legacy will love forever. We're going to miss your entertaining style of coaching. R.I.P.
Michelle Adkins (Walker)
June 10, 2013
Coach Coles will be deeply missed. I want to thank for the fond memories you provided as my homeroom teacher at your time at Central Catholic High School. I will miss you dearly and know that you are somewhere above making everyone smile.
Cole family my prayers and thoughts are with you during this sorrowful time. Coach Coles was an inspiration and an amazing coach. God Bless.
Sherman Bell Jr.
June 10, 2013
God have another good angel in heaven with him....R.I.P. Coach..
Derek McCurdy
June 10, 2013
R.I.P Coach Coles you will be missed ! You brought so much joy to Saginaw High basketball and to the world thanks ! Condolences to the Coles Family.
Sherman Bell Jr.
June 10, 2013
I would like to thank you coach for what you done for me, give me a scholarship to Texas. I'll always be grateful to you....
tamara Reed -Asbell
June 10, 2013
He will be missed a lot w especially students that he coached over the years .
Pastor Darryl, Tanya & Jonathan Harris
June 10, 2013
On behalf of the Harris family, our prayers, sympathies and condolences go out to his wife Delores, and beautiful family! We're thankful for the opportunity Coach Coles gave our son Jonathan, to play college basketball at Miami Ohio, for such fine man of integrity and character! He touched our lives in a profound way.
2 Timothy 4:7 "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith".
Kenny Frierson
June 10, 2013
I will miss you Coach Coles but your words live on in me. I am so blessed to have had a man like Charlie Coles in my life, such an inspiration. I am also thankful and praying for his lovely family who shared him with the world. God strengthen this family at such a time.
June 10, 2013
valerie d robinson chris i am sorry about dad my prayers go out to u family
June 10, 2013
I'm sure Coach Coles knew how beloved he was by his players, but I want to add that he was adored by us cheerleaders, too. RIP, Coach, and thanks for making my life better for having known you. Gilah Pomeranz, YSHS Class of 1977
Vicki Hoard
June 10, 2013
Sincerest condolences to the Coles family, all Coach's friends, co-workers, former students and players. Charles Coles infused the light of knowledge, pride, manners, fairness, and self respect in so many. Prayers for peace, strength, and comfort.
James and Kathy Perry Sr. and Family
June 10, 2013
We love you Charlie Coles. We will miss you very much, our next golf game will have to wait.
Jeanette Champion
June 10, 2013
Will be missed greatly.. Such a wonderful man . God bless and prayers to the fam.
Karla Johnson
June 10, 2013
As a student at Miami during Charlie's era, it was a joy to watch him on the court. Little did I know that years later he would share his talents and offer guidance on and off the court to my son, Kyle, who played as a "Redskin" for Charlie. A devoted man - to basketball and family - a good friend, a kind heart, an endearing personality. We are very sad and grateful for the impact Charlie had on our lives.
Lynn Mitchem
June 10, 2013
Coach Coles, what a nice man . He always made time to talk to you.. So full of wisdom and always had a smile on his face. He will be miss.God bless the family and May he rest in peace.
Gene/Shirley Nuckolls
June 9, 2013
Having worked with Charlie at Saginaw High, my husband and I felt a true connection to a fellow who gave 100% everyday. Whether an athlete or regular student, he always found time to counsel, encourage, and show compassion. Heaven is richer with his passing, and so many lives are even richer for having the opportunity to know this kind man. Our deepest sympathy to the family. We will always treasure our time spent with this awesome, super coach, and friend.
Mitch Naufel
June 9, 2013
My prayers are with Charlie, Delores, Chris, and Mary. Charlie was a great inspiration to me as a wrestling coach and teacher. The short time that I worked with Charlie were some of the best years I have spent at Toledo Central Catholic High School. I can't begin to imagine how many people he impacted in the same way.
God Bless!
Rick Ballweg
June 9, 2013
To the Coles family sorry for your loss. Coach was one of a kind. It was a honor to work for him at Central Michigan . We had many long talks over dinner during the season and over the summers. He had a great influence on me and what kind of a person I became. He will greatly missed.
Brian & Phyllis Garry
June 9, 2013
Charlie Coles, and I go way back to the Little League days, at Burt Street, 1954.. A wonderful fellow-Athlete-coach-Father-friend. Phyllis and I spent some time when Miami was here, in Tampa, NCAA, recalling the 'Fellows from the South End'... So sorry to see Charlie 'PASS-OVER the BARR'.. May the Good Lord hold a Sperical B-Ball Game for you in Heaven. You gave much, and ask for little... Bless you and your family.
Sherry Baker
June 9, 2013
A time for sharing warm memories...A time for comfort and caring...A time for honoring a wonderful life. So sorry for your loss. Charlie will be missed! I will never forget the memory of him on that basketball court with his 'family'. He loved his players and he loved the game! Be comforted of the memories and celebrate a life well lived. Deepest sympathy and may God bless.
Sherry "Klitch" Baker
Dick Klitch's niece
Miami U. Hall of Famer
June 9, 2013
R.I.P Charlie Coles. You will be missed go Redhawks. MOOSE.
Carter Briggs
June 9, 2013
I am so sorry for your loss coach was was truely one of a kind. We always told each other that we loved each other before we got off the phone with one another. Words can't express my sorrows for you. God bless your family. Love Carter.
Kendra Rollins
June 9, 2013
Thank you for believing in my son & giving him the opportunity of a lifetime! Prayers goin up for the family. R.I.H
June 8, 2013
Deloris, so sorry for your loss. Bob & Bonnie Dusing (NAME)
Jerome Lewis Jr
June 8, 2013
DeDe As your cousin I have always loved and respected this man. He was the best of the best I know!!! Jerome Sr met him at the Great Gate! We love you!!
Skip Vosler
June 8, 2013
.Coach was well respected as a coach, friend and competitor. We in Bobcat land so appreciated Coach and will miss him. My most sincere sympathy to the Cole family.
Skip Vosler, Athletic Trainer Emeriti, Ohio University
June 8, 2013
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Jim Osborne- Gallia Academy bball coach
June 8, 2013
What a great man/coach to be around.learned a lot just watching him communicate with players and coaches. Epitome of Miami coaches. Pleasure to have known you.
John Jacobs
June 8, 2013
Sorry for your loss
Jerdine Duncan
June 8, 2013
I would like to express my sincere sympathy for the passing of your love one. May you find peace and comfort from the God who comfort those who mourn. Isa 66:13.
Kurt Greber
June 8, 2013
Charlie became a good friend while I lived in Oxford, and I became a better grandfather by watching him with his family. My prayers go out to his family. The Oxford community has lost a best friend.
Grimes
June 8, 2013
Rest in Peace, Coach.
A long time ago you helped teach me to be a man. Thank you. My prayers to you and your family.
Dr. Donald Grimes
F,G YSHS 1970
Bobby Wilcox
June 8, 2013
Ouch, this tears part of one's heart out. Charlie was simply one of a kind. A blessing and a treasure to all of our lives. There are no words appropriate enough at this time. God Bless the family and his soul. To honor him, we will never forget his memory!
mark Harris
June 8, 2013
my deepest condolences to mr. coles him and my father was good friend's when my father worked for MIAMI. some of the best times as a kid with charlie and my dad at the games on the floor seat couch WOW great times Mr. Coles you will be missed dearly best wishesfor best coach in the world
June 8, 2013
We are so sorry to hear of Coach Cole's passing. He was a wonderful person. May he rest in peace and God's blessings to his family.
The Stewart & Tate family (Toledo, OH)
Mary Meredith
June 8, 2013
My sincere condolences to the Coles family. Oxford, Ohio and the University of Miami will always remember you. RIP Sir...................
garth McKnight
June 8, 2013
Dear coles family,we are sadened of your tragic loss of Charles. Please keep JehovahGod,as yourGreatComforter and Helper at this dire time. Sincerely,Garth McKnight
Mark "Crud" Ayers
June 8, 2013
Great family friend for a long time... He was someone my siblings and I all looked up to.
C. Nelson
June 8, 2013
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
June 8, 2013
Offering my deepest condolences during this difficult time, I'm so very sorry for your loss, death is something we are never prepared for, but please find comfort in knowing sickness, pain and death will one day be no more.
June 8, 2013
Not. Only a great coach but a great player. Butch morrison '67
Madell Oats Warfield
June 8, 2013
Coach coles was a great friend.We Have been friends for 67 years.Dee Dee and Famly Condolence. Rest In Peace Coach your Buddy Oats.
Patrick Baird
June 8, 2013
Rest In Peace Coach. You will be greatly missed, you a great Coach, Gentleman and firend
Christ is near your journey,upon a new Light
Victoria Chavez/Valdez/Escobedo
June 7, 2013
rest in peace
Charlie Coles
Our Thoughts
of condolences
go out to Coles~
carol hanifin
June 7, 2013
The sun, moon and stars will not seem as bright now. Charlie Coles was one of the kindest, caring gentlemen that I have ever had the privlige of knowing. May God keep you with him and may you have happpiness and joy in your everlasting home with the Lord.
Witherspoons
June 7, 2013
Thanks for everything, Coach...miss you always, remember you always. Love you DeeDee & Family.
Dick Williams
June 7, 2013
Wonderful job my friend wonderful job thanks for crossing paths with me.May God give your loved ones comfort. ..
Bob and Anita Wendel
June 7, 2013
Coach Coles will be very missed by all or us who went to Miami and followed Miame basketball for many years. He was a great man and a wonderful coach. Rest in peace Coach Coles.
Judy Ehler
June 7, 2013
Coach Coles was a great coach! My late husband, Coach Jim Ehler, thought a lot of Charlie and was a dear friend. He will truly be missed. Rest in peace.
Dianna Hartman
June 7, 2013
I used to watch you holding the hand of your grandchildren in Millett Hall. They seemed to be the most important part of your day. I thought to myself, what a wonderful man. You were also a great coach on the court! May your family and friends know that there are many around the country holding them up in prayer and wishing them the best at this most difficult time.
J W
June 7, 2013
So sorry to hear this. The Miami, Talawanda and Oxford communities will miss Charlie!
Dwayne Bickham
June 7, 2013
in God's care rest in peace
Sue
June 7, 2013
May you gain courage, strength and faith through this difficult time. Please know that God is the hearer of prayer.
T Slack
June 7, 2013
Rest in Peace Charlie. You were on great person and Coarch!
victor
June 7, 2013
saddened to hear about the loss of this great coach... he has coached many greats over the years.... now he will be coaching again for a better team in heaven now... god bless your family during this sad time...
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