Curtis C. Coleman Jr.

HICKORY - Curtis C. "Bucky" Coleman Jr., 78, of Hickory, died Sept. 30, 2009, after a months-long battle with various health issues. Raised in Forsyth County, he was the son of Gladys Mabry and Curtis C. "Tez" Coleman Sr. He graduated from Reynolds High School in Winston-Salem and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. After moving to Hickory in 1962, he worked for State Farm Insurance Co. for 33 years. Following his retirement, Curtis remained active in Viewmont Baptist Church in Hickory, where he was a member for more than 40 years and had served as a deacon and on numerous committees. He worked as a volunteer at Frye Regional Medical Center for more than 10 years. He enjoyed playing golf with his friends, but mostly enjoyed the friendship of his golfing partners who met for breakfast on Thursday mornings before playing. Curtis continued to attend these breakfast meetings, even though his health prevented him from playing much the last few years. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 49 years, Phyllis Harris Coleman, and a sister, Mary Gladys Larson of Charlotte. He is survived by one sister, Ann Grier of Danville, Va.; his two sons, Curtis Coleman III and wife, Vicki, of Greenville and Chris Coleman of Burlington; five grandchildren, Austin, Forrest and Max Coleman, all of Burlington, and P.J. and Liana Coleman, both of Greenville; and dozens of loving nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3, 2009, at Viewmont Baptist Church, with the Rev. Dr. Layne Smith officiating. The family will receive friends from 12:30 to 2 p.m., prior to the service, at the church. Members of the Master Workmen Sunday School Class will serve as honorary pallbearers. Memorials may be made to Viewmont Baptist Church, 1246 Second St., NE, Hickory, N.C. 28601 or Palliative CareCenter & Hospice of Catawba Valley, 3975 Robinson Road, Newton, N.C. 28658. Online condolences may be left for the Coleman family at www.bass-smithfuneralhome.com. Bass-Smith Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the family of Curtis C. "Bucky" Coleman Jr.