George Lester Coleman

George Lester Coleman, 79, of Groveland passed away in the early morning hours of August 18, 2022 with his wife and daughter by his side.

George was born January 14, 1943 in Tampa, FL to Lester George Coleman and Marie Catherine Graszl. George graduated from Brewster Vocational High School in 1961. George married Marcia Carroll Ruiz on July 13, 1991. George and Marcia spent the next 31 years traveling the world together. Marcia was his best friend and closest confidante. George has a daughter, Kimberly Coleman with whom he shared a close relationship and at times referred to her as his angel. George also had a very special family friend who was like his daughter, Elena (Elli) who is a nurse practitioner and who was instrumental in overseeing his healthcare during the last few years of his life. George had many wonderful friends. He was loved and regarded with admiration by all who knew him. Many called him Grumpy, but he was really a softy.

George proudly served his country as a United States Army Aviator at the rank of CW4. George enlisted in the Army after high school. Shortly after being released from his obligatory active-duty commitment, George re-enlisted in the Army to the Warrant Officer candidate program and upon graduation was a WO-1 Aviator. He served in Vietnam, Korea, Germany, and stateside. George was a Pilot, Maintenance Officer, and Instructor Pilot, he was duel-rated, flew OV1-Mohawk, C12, U21, fixed-wing, Huey and 58 helicopters until he retired on May 31, 1995. Some of his awards included Meritorious Service, Air Medal, Joint Service Commendation, Army Good Conduct, National Defense Service, Vietnam Service Medal, Viet Nam Campaign Medal, Master Aviator Badge, Army Service Medal. After retirement George was a member of the OV1 Mohawk Association and was the newsletter editor for many years. He loved animals, his Chorkie named Tigger was famous in the neighborhood as his ferocious 3-pound guard dog and his daily walking companion. He loved to write short stories, read his newspapers and watch the weather channel.

He was a fearless and valiant fighter during the last few years of his life reminding us all that life is worth fighting for. He was loved and will be missed dearly.

George’s passions were for Smile Train and Doctors Without Borders where he would have preferred donations be made to these organizations in lieu of flowers: Smile Train or Doctors Without Borders.