Calvin E. Coleman, Sr.

Calvin E. Coleman, Sr., age 74, died Monday, February 19, 2007 in Gulfport. He was born on March 28, 1932 in Gulfport, MS. He graduated Class of 1950 from the old Orange Grove High School where he lettered in basketball. He was preceded in death by his parents, Erskine and Roberta Coleman of Gulfport, and his son, George Michael Hill, who preceded him only 27 days ago. He leaves behind his beloved wife and soul mate of 35 years, Naomi, who he taunted in high school, but wised up and proposed to 25 years later. There are also six children, Richard Hill (Monica), Joan King, Helen Coleman, Linda Huggard (Ralph Pearce), Calvin Coleman, Jr., all of the Mississippi Gulf Coast, and David Coleman (Kaja) of Peyton, CO. He also leaves ten grandchildren, Tiffany Tynes, Amanda Culver, Angel Hill, Jamie McKay, Jimmy Darryl King, Danielle Sidon, Jessica McDowell, Desiree Myrick, Savannah Coleman, Isabella Coleman; nine great-grandchildren; a loving sister, Mary Ann Legg of Gulfport; nieces, nephews, and many loving friends. Not to be forgotten is his faithful and devoted companion, his dog, Buster. Mr. Coleman served his country during the Korean War conflict, receiving the Purple Heart, and like his father before him, was a 32nd degree Mason. He was very proud of his South Mississippi roots and lived here his whole life. He was a man who believed that a handshake was as good as a contract and that your word is your honor. He set the example to always do the right thing and to be honorable, responsible citizens. Mr. Coleman retired as an electrician from the Mississippi Power Company in 1990 after 38 years, but was a man of many capabilities. He rebuilt a Model A car from scratch, was a wonderful craftsman in carpentry, building and refinishing furniture and was an avid antique collector. He built two houses from the ground up and loved his and his wife's home place, Agony Acres-aptly named after raising seven children. He loved to build things and his greatest construction project was his family. Upon retirement he and Naomi loved to travel. They spent their leisure time as active members of the Gulf Coast Antique Auto Engine Club collecting antique cars and enjoying their many dear and close friends. IF GOD BRINGS YOU TO IT, GOD WILL BRING YOU THROUGH IT. Visitation will be held Thursday, February 22, from 6 until 9 p.m. at Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home, O'Neal Road, Gulfport. The funeral service will be Friday, February 23 at 10:00 a.m. in the funeral home chapel. Interment will follow at Floral Hills Memorial Gardens in Gulfport View and sign register book at www.bradfordokeefe.com.