William David Coleman, Sr.
William David Coleman, Sr.
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William Coleman, Sr. Obituary
On Saturday, August 30, 2025, William David Coleman Sr., affectionately known as "Bill," departed this life peacefully, escorted by an angel to his eternal home.
Born on August 15, 1951, in New York, Bill was the beloved son of the late Marguerite Odell Branch. He was also preceded in death by his cherished sister, Angela Rose Branch, fondly known as "Angie"; father and mother-in-law, George M. and Rosa A. Gray; eight brothers-in-law and five sisters-in-law: George G. Gray Sr. (Carrie), James E. Gray Sr. (Mary Catherine), John H. Gray (Vermel Lucas), Lawrence H. Ware Jr. (Eunice), Lloyd Gray, Ronald L. Gray, William R. Gray, James T. Smith Jr., and Patricia Ann Rosser.
A proud graduate of Campbell County High School, Bill went on to dedicate an extraordinary 50 years of service to BWXT, where he was a valued and respected employee until his retirement.
Bill is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 54 years, Joyce Gray Coleman of Madison Heights, VA. He also leaves to cherish his memory two loving children: William David Coleman Jr. ("Dave") of Lenexa, KS, and Stephanie De'Von Coleman of Madison Heights, VA. His legacy continues through five grandchildren-Marquez LeDay, Xavier Garland, Zachary Coleman, Alaya Andrews, and Sean Andrews-and two great-grandchildren, Amara LeDay and Laila LeDay.
He is also survived by one brother, three brothers-in-law, and eight sisters-in-law: Charles Branch (Beverly) of Madison Heights, VA; Kenneth Gray (Geneva) of Madison Heights, VA; Larry Gray (Patricia) of Rustburg, VA; Quitman Rosser of Northern VA; Betty Gray of Madison Heights, VA; Everlene Gray of Lynchburg, VA; Meverlene Smith of Lynchburg, VA; Yvonne Gray of Madison Heights, VA; and Joyce Gray of Madison Heights, VA.
Additionally, he is remembered with love by a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family members-especially Mary Tatum, affectionately known as "Sweetpea."
To know Bill was truly to love him. He was a man of warmth, generosity, and good humor— always ready with a smile, a kind word, or a light-hearted joke to lift the spirits of those around him. Bill never met a stranger; he extended kindness and compassion to everyone he encountered, always putting others before himself.
Bill was deeply respected and dearly loved by his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him. His memory will forever remain in our hearts, and his spirit will continue to live on through the countless lives he touched.
He will be profoundly missed but never forgotten.
A celebration of Bill’s life will be held at 2:00 p.m. of Friday, September 5, 2025, at Scott Zion Baptist Church.
Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Lynchburg, is assisting the family.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
220 Breezewood Drive, Lynchburg, VA 24502
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