Portal, Georgia
PORTAL, Ga. - Mr. Franklin Coleman, retired and beloved Portal math teacher and baseball coach, has passed away after a brief illness. He was preceded in death by his wife, Martha Sue Parrish Coleman; his son, Michael Coleman; his sister, Joan Brinson; and by his parents, Albert and Madge...
Read MoreI've said many times that he was simply the best teacher I ever had. He had a tremendous impact on me as a teacher. In my career, I've had the opportunity to observe many teachers; I never saw one that could top him!
Barbara Howard Christmas
March 02, 2009 | Bellville, GA
As I was teaching a math lesson just last week, I realized I was teaching just as Mr. C taught us. I pointed to the students and gave a few seconds to answer, then moved on. All I could think in my mind was the phrase, "Mind like a steel trap". That is what he always said to me when he would pull surprise questions of me at any time of day - not just class. I carry that desire to be the best still today. Love, Suzie Wright-Mancil.
Rich became a professor due to the inspiring teaching...
Dr. & Mrs. Rich Mancil
February 22, 2009 | Bowing Green, KY
Al and Melissa, I was saddened to hear of your loss. I have many fond memories of your Dad at PHS. He was a fabulous bookkeeping teacher and helped me get my first job after school. I will also remember many other classes under him, including driver's ed. What great times those were. God bless you both.
Russell Collins
February 22, 2009 | Hiawassee, GA
"Mess...mess...mess...mess...MAGIC..."that is what he would always say when I went to the board to work a problem...I never knew how to work the problems like he expected...but I could get the answer in a different way...I will never forget walking into his room in the 8th grade...scared to death...but leaving in the 12th grade knowing how to do math...Thanks Mr. Coleman...as a math teacher today I try to teach my students to be confident in their work...like we were when we won the math...
David Wilds
February 20, 2009 | Warner Robins, GA
Mr Coleman was one of the teachers at PHS (Class of 96) that made a difference in my life and he will be missed. May God be with his family.
Sylina Strickland
February 19, 2009 | Sylvania, GA
Words cannot express the impression that Mr. Coleman left on my life. I always brag that I had the greatest math teacher in the world. As I walked past him, he would always have a question to challenge me. He expected a quick answer, too. He always called me "Kate." I'm not sure why.
My prayers are with the family. Please know that his life and legacy will live forever in the hearts of those whose life he touched in the classroom.
Karen Durden Chassereau
February 18, 2009 | Metter, GA
Al & Melissa,
You and your family are in our prayers. We are sorry about your loss. I remember him so dearly in Geometry class.
Theresa Hill Kahrmann
February 17, 2009 | Lexington, SC
Al and Melissa
The Class of '54 Screven County High School mourns with you in the loss of our your father and our classmate Franklin. Our prayers and thoughts are with you.
Daisy Davis for the class
February 17, 2009 | Savannah, GA
Melissa and Al - Ward joins me in sending you our deepest sympathy. When I was in high school, Linda and I had some great times with Franklin and Martha Sue (Judy's cousin). He was always fun to be with.
Judy Lowrance
February 17, 2009 | Floyd, VA
