Dr. Harry Theodore Coleman, Jr. was the second child born to Harry, Sr. and Amanda Coleman in Somerville, Tennessee where he spent his early life with his sister, Henrilynn. “Boy Coleman,” as Harry, Jr. was affectionately called by his family, was curious and very outgoing. He attended Fayette Ware Training School where his love for people and his rural surroundings became a major part of his personality and desire to help others. Harry confessed his faith in Christ at an early age, joining and becoming a faithful member of the Morris Chapel C.M.E. Church in Somerville, TN. Harry attended Johnson C. Smith University in Charlotte, North Carolina where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree. After Johnson C. Smith, Harry entered the School of Dentistry at Meharry Medical College in Nashville, Tennessee. There, he received his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree. It was during his second year at Meharry that he met Fisk University student Olivia Patricia Jackson, on a blind date arranged by Harry’s roommate. As their relationship grew, Harry began to envision their future. After his graduation from dental school and Pat’s completion of her graduate studies at Vanderbilt University, they were married in 1971. Harry and Pat were blessed with two children, a son, Brian, and a daughter, Chandra. After completing an internship and serving in the Dental Corp of the United States Navy in San Diego, California, Dr. Coleman decided to establish his dental practice in Memphis. He worked diligently to establish a practice of which he could be proud, one that would serve the community and provide care to its residents. Affiliated with many of the service organizations in the Memphis area, Dr. Coleman worked with the Greater Memphis Chapter of the Boys and Girls Club of America, and often provided free dental care to many of his indigent patients in the Orange Mound community. Dr. Coleman’s warm and outgoing personality allowed him to establish close friendships with many in the community where he practiced.

Dr. Coleman’s activities were not limited to his practice. He was a member of many notable organizations: The National Dental Association, The Memphis and Shelby County Dental Society, Delta Boule’ of Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated, and the Memphis Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated. He was also a faithful and dedicated member of Mt. Pisgah C.M.E. church in the same community where he worked. Dr. Coleman will be remembered as an altruistic trailblazer who fought to make his community a better place and to set a standard of excellence for his family.

Above all, Dr. Coleman had a strong devotion to his family. He was a loving husband, father, and doting grandfather. He most enjoyed taking his children to the Memphis Grizzlies basketball games or swimming in his backyard pool. He always sought to make the lives of his children better. In addition to caring for his own parents and sister, he was equally attentive to his mother-in-law, nieces, and nephews. To his family and friends, Dr. Coleman was an ever-present voice, giving support and care.

He leaves to cherish his memory: Olivia Patricia, his devoted wife of 51 years, a son, Attorney Brian (Holly) Coleman, a daughter, Chandra Coleman Harris, one grandson, Bryce Coleman, three granddaughters, Lauren Coleman, Chloe Harris, and Camryn Harris, one sister, Henrilynn Gordon, one brother-in-law, L.C. Gordon, and numerous nieces, nephews, friends, and colleagues. He leaves to cherish his memory a devoted wife of 51 years, Olivia Patricia; a son, Attorney Brian (Holly) Coleman; a daughter, Chandra Coleman Harris; three granddaughters, Lauren Coleman, Chloe Harris, and Camryn Harris; one grandson, Bryce Coleman; one sister, Henrilynn Gordon; one brother-in-law, L.C. Gordon; and numerous nieces, friends, and colleagues.

The family will receive friends from 5:00PM- 7:00PM on Wednesday, June 22,2022 at Mississippi Blvd Christian Church, 70 North Bellevue, Memphis, Tennessee. Funeral service will be at 11:00AM on Thursday at Mississippi Blvd Christian Church located at 70 North Bellevue, Memphis, Tennessee 38104. The interment will be on Friday June 24,2022 at 1:00PM in West Tennessee Veterans Cemetery located at 4000 Forest Hill Irene Road. Memphis, Tennessee.