James Leon Coleman

J.L. Coleman, age 85, 0f Athens, passed away Wednesday evening, October 11, 2017, at his residence.  Born on August 15, 1932 to the late Felix and Elva Coleman, he was a native and lifelong resident of McMinn County and retired from Huber Corporation after 26 years of service.  J.L. served in the 278th Infantry of the National Guard and attended Cambria, Conasauga, and Eastview Baptist Church and was most recently an active member of Valley View Baptist Church. He was an avid fan of the Tennessee Vols, loved gospel music and spending time with his family.

 In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Marie King Coleman; sisters, Ada Mae Massingale and Ella Mae Casteel; and brothers, John Curtis Coleman and Carl Walter Coleman.

 J.L. is survived by children and spouses, Douglas L. and Alice Coleman of Decatur, Steve and Lisa Rene Coleman of Athens, Kim and Russell Harris of Tellico Plains; grandchildren and spouses, Amber and Brent Cate,  Eliza and Chris Pillion, Michael and Erin Coleman, Ezra and Amanda Coleman, Elissa and Quenton Hendley, Kolby Harris, and Peyton Harris; great-grandchildren, Brandon Burnett, Brylen Coleman, Brady Burnett, Riley Cate, Laina Belle Coleman, Ella Pillion, Emmy Coleman, Alexis Pillion, Brantley Hendley, Allison Hendley; sister, Pauline Gonzales of Etowah; brothers and spouses, Arnold Lee and Frances Coleman, Joe and Edith Coleman, and Paul and Nancy Coleman. Several nieces, nephews, and other extended family members also survive. 

A Celebration of Life and Home going for J.L. will be held at 2p.m. Sunday, October 15, 2017 from the chapel of Serenity Funeral Home with Pastor Douglas Coleman and Pastor Ezra Coleman officiating.

Interment will follow in the Cambria Baptist Church Cemetery with Military Honors and a White Dove Release Ceremony concluding the services.

Kolby Harris, Peyton Harris Michael Coleman, Ezra Coleman, Brent Cate. Brandon Burnett, Brady Burnett, Riley Cate and Quenton Hendley will serve as pallbearers.

The family will receive friends from 5-8p.m. on Saturday, October 14, 2017, at the funeral home.

We invite you to send a message of comfort and view the family guestbook at www.serenityfunerals.com

Serenity Funeral Home and Cremation Center of Etowah is in charge of arrangements