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William Coleman Obituary
January 30, 1943 - August 21, 2017
Chapel Hill, NC
Dr. William Lord Coleman, 74, passed away at the UNC Hospice Home the morning of the total eclipse. Born in Manhattan, NY, he attended Rumsey Hall Boarding School, then Carmel High School before graduating from a university in Mexico City and then earning a Master's in Criminology from the University of California at Berkley.
Bill worked as an elementary school teacher in California before graduating from medical school at the University of New Mexico. He served his residency at Duke and a fellowship at Children's Hospital in Boston, MA. Dr. Coleman was a Developmental Behavioral Pediatrician who saw patients along with their families at Duke and UNC Hospitals for over 30 years. After retirement, he continued family-focused pediatrics at the Chapel Hill Children's Clinic in Southern Village.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents; his twin sister, Betsy Hurst; and his son, Justin. He is survived by his wife, Julie; daughter, Chandra and her husband, Lawrence; his three grandchildren; three nieces and four nephews.
Dr. Coleman's funeral will be 2:00PM, Friday August 25, 2017 at the University United Methodist Church, 150 E. Franklin St., Chapel Hill, NC. A reception will follow immediately after the service.
In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to: The Justin Lord Coleman Foundation, P.O. Box 55158, Boston, MA 02205
Condolences may be made at www.donaldsonfunerals.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for William Coleman
Jay Bryan
September 4, 2017
I called Bill's number today to get his email address so I could send him the lineup for the Carrboro Poetry Festival in October and learned from the message of his passing. Many children's lives, including my son's, were changed for the good by the care, sensitivity, naturalness along with zaniness and fun he showed them. He also helped me understand grief better, how to survive it and to help support others, with theirs, too, through his wonderful heart. How fitting that he travelled on when the day darkened for the eclipe and then brightened as his light passed over Chapel Hill and those he loved and befriended.
Laurie Macrae
September 2, 2017
Bill Coleman was a friend from our shared time in Mexico back in the 60s. He was a kind, gentle man, full of good will for all. I'm sure he was a wonderful doctor.
Lane Tanner
September 2, 2017
September 3, 2017
I have just learned of Bill's passing, with sadness and some disbelief at the quieting of this wonderfully energetic, enthusiastic, and compassionate colleague. I had the good fortune to work with Bill on projects for the American Academy of Pediatrics, and as a co-teacher in workshops and publications for pediatricians. Bill's mission to promote a meaningful consideration of the family in every pediatric encounter has been pioneering. His generosity of spirit, his irrepressible humor and his readiness to engage with others (in Spanish, English, other) are much in my memory. He will be sorely missed.
richard smith
August 29, 2017
once doctor always a doctor, live long and prosper
JC Louis
August 27, 2017
Bill was my very first friend on Marthas Vineyard and over 35 summers, I felt our friendship reborn on every meeting Bill loved life and everyone who lived it his was the gift of an embrace, the lift of encouragement on ones journey the expression of true care for the well-being for ones family and loved ones. However brief the exchange, there was always that celebration of companionship -- the glint and glow of all that endures over time.
Eno River Men's Group
August 25, 2017
Bill Coleman was a member of our men's group for over a year. His busy life made his appearances somewhat sporadic but when he was there he contributed with his distinguished demeanor, intelligence, compassion and decency. We have lost his presence but will remember his goodness.
John Dinyari, Michael Owen, Dennis Sternlight, Steven Silverleaf, Richard Wolfe,
John Chase, Lou Millin, Richard Lucas, Ed Hoefle, Doug Seifert, Ed Brown, Jerold Footlick, Roy Tuckett, Hugh Giblin
Jamie Huntington-Meath
August 25, 2017
Bill Coleman was a healer. He was a doctor who went out of his way to help his patients and students. He will be fondly remembered and greatly missed. He was one of a kind.
August 25, 2017
May the God of all comfort strengthen the family during this time of deep sorrow. Those who pass on, God keeps in his memory because they are precious in his eyes. My sincerest condolences. (Psalms 116:15)
Toni and Mike Shannon
August 24, 2017
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Nickster
August 24, 2017
Nickster
August 24, 2017
robyn dorton
August 23, 2017
may god help your family through these hard times
Nancy Tuttle
August 23, 2017
I am so saddened by the news of Bill's passing.. He was an amazing man, father, husband and friend.
Teresa McCrimmon
August 23, 2017
Rest in Peace Dr. C. your earthly work has been done. You will always be remembered for your compassion and your willingness to help others any way that you could. I'll always cherish the conversations, wisdom and laughs that we shared at the Center for Development and Learning (WOW, what great memories)! My sincere condolences go out to Mrs. Jules & the Coleman family.
Mary Ann Kmball
August 23, 2017
The best of colleagues and friends.
Lorraine Graham
August 23, 2017
Dr. C will truly be missed by many people! He had a heart of gold and was very compassionate about helping families. He showed love to all and I am honored that I had the privilege to work with him, when he was at the Center for Development and Learning at UNC Chapel Hill. I extend my deepest sympathy to his family!
Michael & Carol Baez
Michael Baez
August 22, 2017
Dr "C" as we called him will be missed because of his great heart, sense of adventure, compassion towards all people and almost a "supernatural" ability to be selfless and make others the focus. Dr "C" showed special care and love to all our boys...Nick, Alex and Marcus Baez...he along with "Jewels" his loving wife, gave them a "family" away from home when we could not be there. In life it is rare to meet people that will have touched so many hundreds of families and individuals...but let me tell you Dr "C" was THAT man!
Michael & Carol Baez
Raleigh
Don Wertlieb
August 22, 2017
I am shocked and saddened - we have lost a truly fine and caring friend and colleague. I'll treasure my memories of our collaboration in humanitarian work for children with disabilities in Ukraine, our shaping of "family pediatrics" as a responsive and responsible frame for health care, and our leisurely clam-digging on our beloved Vineyard. Wishing Julie and the family strength and comfort as you cope with the loss. May his memory be a blessing. Don
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