Terry Lee Coleman

"Wherever a beautiful soul has been there is a trail of beautiful memories"- Ronald Reagan

TERRY LEE COLEMAN, 74, of Dunbar, WV passed away peacefully on August 26, 2023 after a two year journey with pancreatic cancer.
He was born January 2, 1949 at Mountain State Hospital in Charleston to the late Nathaniel and Vesta (Mitchell) Coleman.
Terry was a graduate of Dunbar High School, and was drafted soon after into the United States Army. As a private first class, he served in the Vietnam War, and in 1970 earned the Bronze Star Medal for heroism in ground combat. After his service, he went on to obtain his degree in Criminal Justice from WV State College. Terry started his career with the Dunbar Police Department in 1973, and served the community and citizens of Dunbar for 32 years. He held positions from patrol officer, detective, sergeant, and shift supervisor until his appointment to Chief of Police for the last eight years of his career. Terry was married to Patricia "Patty" (Tucker) Coleman for 35 beautiful years until her death in 2012. They were blessed to have two beautiful children together, Lesley and Eric. Terry enjoyed life to the fullest and was the most "on the go person" you could ever meet. He was an avid golfer, hunter, fisherman, and bowler. He loved to vacation, and he loved to drive his car around and look for deer. Terry also enjoyed eating out, and watching all the crime shows on TV. He was a Christian, and a faithful member of Dunbar United Methodist Church. Prior to his illness, Terry really enjoyed singing in the church choir. His most precious possessions, after the passing of Patty, were his grandkids, Creed, Xander, Aria, and Reagan. Terry was ALL IN when it came to those grandbabies, from playing chase to frequenting the Dairy Queen, to all the sporting events. Believe me when I tell you that his presence and big ol' smile will be greatly missed.
In addition to his parents and wife, Terry was preceded in death by his brothers, Thomas, Paul, and John Coleman.
He is survived by his daughter, Lesley (Brandon) of Ripley; son, Eric (Emma) of Dunbar; grandchildren, Creed, Xander, Aria, Reagan, and baby boy Coleman due February, 2024 (an angel from Papal); siblings, Karen Jean (Bill) of Dunbar, Denise Carnell of South Carolina, and David Coleman of Missouri; along with a host of nieces and nephews who loved him dearly.
Special thanks to Dr. Ron Biswas, Dr. Bhati, CAMC Cancer Center, and all the essential health care workers who cared for Dad throughout the last two years of his life. We are proud to say he was never in the hospital one time with this illness except for the Whipple Surgery in December of 2021. We had amazing resources along with so many friends, neighbors, and family that showed us continual love throughout this sad time, and we are forever grateful to them all.
A service of remembrance will by held at 1 p.m. on Friday, September 1 at Keller Funeral Home, Dunbar. Burial will follow in Tyler Mountain Memory Gardens, Cross Lanes.
Family will receive visitors from 6 - 8 p.m. Thursday, August 31 at Keller Funeral Home, Dunbar.
www.kellerfuneralhome.net