Dr. Harry Coleman Obituary in Memphis at R.S. Lewis & Sons Funeral Home

Obituary For Dr. Harry Coleman

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.

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Adrienne Smith Morris sent Beautiful Dreams for Dr. Harry Coleman - June 22, 2022

May your hearts be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Adrienne, Stephanie, and Albert Morris, III

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The Peace Lily was sent for Dr. Harry Coleman - June 21, 2022

I'm so sorry to find out about Dr. Coleman's passing. He was so loved by do many of us. I'm deeply saddened by the news of his passing. He leaves behind a life of quality, professional service.
J. Sanders, Esq.

I must admit he would definitely sing you a tune rather you wanted him to or not... he was definitely a good guy and I appreciated his enthusiasm and professionalism. Fly hi Doc! Much respect ✊

I am very late finding out about this! But it really hurt my feelings to know this. Dr. Coleman was our Superman here on Earth! Whenever you went in to his office you would receive the Most Exceptional Service there is to offer on this side of Earth! He is definitely irreplaceable and we will miss him!

I am truly saddened to hear of Dr. Colemans passing. He was my dentist and my family's dentist. I don't think that I will ever find a Dentist like Dr. Coleman. Well I know that no one can sing this particular song like Dr. Coleman. He would sing a song about "I hope that my girlfriend will be in Heaven when I get there"! He would sing and talk to get his patients mind off of the pain and the procedures. Thank you Dr Coleman, rest well Sir!!

Im just seeing that he passed, ol cool man Dr. Coleman every time I visited his office I would always get a free lecture and speech about life that was always needed. He was a blessing to the people that knew him and he touched so many.

I just learned about the passing of Dr.Coleman. The last time I saw Dr.Coleman was at a Grizlies game. We had a chance to talk about the Grizzlies and life. Dr.Coleman was my family dentist for 40 yrs or more. Lots of hugs and prayers to the family. God bless you all! Doris Fentress and family

Dr. Coleman was my dentist who always made me feel comfortable. He always gave me words of wisdom each visit. My last visit with him was back in March and I was told he was having surgery and he may retire. I didn't know when he said retire he meant his eternal retirement. Rest Well and Job Well Done.

Condolences to love ones. Dr. Coleman was my first dentist, I loved his corny jokes and bad singing. Rest well my friend
Alfrida Smith

My friend who made me smile. His wisdom and understanding gave me the opportunity to grow.
Wayne Ingram

I just learned about the passing of Dr. Coleman. My prayers for the family. Rest on Dr. Coleman

I was saddened to hear of Dr. Coleman's passing, he was one of our longtime customers. Always a kind word and warm smile, and pleasant conversation when he would stop by.

Thank you Dr Coleman for all you did to help me pass my boards in 2001. I am TRULY as to hear of your passing. May God provide strength and comfort to family during this time.
Ruges F Stockton DDS

Praying for comfort and strength during this tremendous loss in your family !!

To Pat and family. I just learned about Harry's death. Our prayers are with you. Billy and Grorgia Davis

To Pat and the family. I was so sad to learn of the passing of Dr Coleman. Therefore I am offering prayers and condolesences to all of you. I will continue to keep you all uplifted in prayer. Hold on to those precious memories. Dr Harry Coleman was a pillar in his community, a true pioneer in the field of dentistry, not to mention a trusted friend to many. His resume sums up his way of life, especially when it comes to helping others. Although he has passed on, his legacy lives on. So Dr Harry T Coleman, this chapter of your life has closed. Rest well. Yours in Christ, Willie M Morris Memphis TN

Our sincere condolences to the family. May GOD's peace be with you and may his arms surround you with his love. Ron and Donna Williams

In Christian Love, Roni, Jessica, and Jada

May God comfort you as only HE can! May God continue to bless you all in your time of sorrow!

Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.

R.S. Lewis & Sons Funeral Home | Memphis, TN