Joseph Max Coltrane Sr.

KERNERSVILLE JOSEPH MAX COLTRANE, SR., 93, DIED AT his home in Kernersville on March 28, 2015. Max was born June 7, 1921, in Guilford County to Pearl Wakefield Coltrane and Lee Beacher Coltrane. He graduated from Sumner School and briefly attended Guilford College. He married Mozelle Clark on April 25, 1941, and they were blessed with three children.He was a member of the "Greatest Generation," having served in the United States Army as a military policeman for 22 months and being honorably discharged at the end of World War II.Max and Mozelle owned and operated several grocery stores in Kernersville, the first being M&M Grocery. Coltrane Grocery was eventually sold to the Food Town chain, and Max completed his working career as a manager and supervisor for Food Lion.Max was elected to and served 26 years on the Kernersville Board of Aldermen, retiring from that position in 1994.He was an active member of Cherry Street United Methodist Church for nearly 70 years, holding many leadership positions. He served on various boards and committees for The Shepherds Center, Crisis Control, the YMCA, the Lions Club, school PTA organizations, and the Kernersville Volunteer Fire Department.Max was predeceased by his wife Mozelle, of 62 years; by his parents; and by his seven brothers and sisters.He is survived by his three children: Joseph M. Coltrane, Jr. (Anne) of Kernersville; Rebecca Baldwin (Dennis) of Charlotte; and Bobbie Franklin of Rome, GA; grandson Lee Coltrane of Raleigh; granddaughters Dianne Southern (Kent) of Charlotte, Connie Barris (Brad), and Lynn White (Keith); great-grandchildren Zach Southern, Katie Southern, Jacob Southern, Sydney Coltrane, Chyenne Abercrombie, Hogan Barris, Christa Hilley, Taylor White, and Daniel White; sisters-in-law Virginia Clark and Margaret Coltrane; numerous nieces and nephews.Visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, March 30 at Pierce-Jefferson Funeral Service, 213 West Mountain Street, Kernersville.Funeral service will be held at 12 p.m. on Tuesday, March 31 at Cherry Street United Methodist Church, 117 North Cherry Street, Kernersville with Rev. Chad Shoaf and Rev. Warren Owen officiating. Interment will follow in Eastlawn Gardens of Memory.Memorials may be sent to Cherry Street United Methodist Church, 117 N. Cherry Street, Kernersville, NC 27284, or to the church or charity of your choice.The family wishes to express its thanks to all of the caregivers from Hairston Home Care, whose loving care and attention meant so much to Max and all of us.