CARL WESLEY COLEMAN

Carl Wesley Coleman was born on December 1, 1942, in Wiergate, Texas, to R.B. and Hester Coleman. He was the eldest of their children, blessed with three brothers—Arthur Ray, Earl, and Anthony-and three sisters-Phyllis, Billie, and Renita. Shortly after his birth, the family relocated to Lufkin, Texas, where they united with Shiloh Baptist Church. At an early age, Carl accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior, was baptized, and served faithfully as president of the Junior Usher Board throughout his youth.

Carl attended Brandon Elementary School and is fondly remembered for his creativity and leadership. He organized neighborhood activities known as the "Ham and Stakes” games, which brought joy, fellowship, and a spirit of competition to countless children in the community. Many of those who participated still proudly recall their “championships” from those games.

Affectionately called "C. Wesley,” Carl graduated from Dunbar High School in 1961, where he lettered in football as center for the Mighty Dunbar Tigers. Following graduation, he was offered a scholarship to Jarvis Christian College, but instead chose to support his family and pursue service to his country.

In June 1961, Carl enlisted in the United States Navy, completing basic training at the San Diego Naval Training Center. He served with distinction, completing multiple overseas tours in Japan and Vietnam. Carl was especially proud of his time aboard the USS Providence as a Ship's Serviceman. He received an honorable discharge on July 13, 1965, after four years of active duty, and continued to serve two additional years in the reserves. In recognition of his service during the Cold War era, Carl was honored on June 11, 2022, with a permanent plaque enshrined at Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial in La Jolla, California.

After returning home to Lufkin, Carl married his high school sweetheart, Dorothy Ballard. To this union four children were born: Richelle, Averell, Tonya, and Sterling. Carl and his young family resided in San Diego, California where they united with Bayview Baptist Church. There, he served faithfully for many years as part of the Parking Lot Ministry.

Carl began his professional career with Solar Turbines International Harvester on November 1, 1965. Through hard work, dedication, and leadership, he advanced through the ranks, training and mentoring many apprentices. After 38 years of service, he retired on July 31, 2003, as a Quality Control Inspector.

A lifelong learner, Carl believed strongly in the value of education. He was an avid reader, proudly completing the full set of Britannica Encyclopedias twice, and amassed a personal library of thousands of books. He earned an Associate of Science degree in Real Estate from San Diego City College. Carl briefly worked as a real estate agent, while in pursuit of his Bachelor's degree from San Diego State University, and also spent several years as a Primerica Inc. insurance representative.

Even in retirement, Carl continued to serve others. Relocating to the Inland Empire, and encouraged by his daughter Tonya, he became a Certified Nurse’s Aide and later worked as a paraprofessional for the Perris Union High School District. In recognition of his dedication to special needs children, he was honored as Paraprofessional of the Year.

Carl had a wide range of interests and hobbies. He enjoyed music of all kinds and was especially fond of artists such as The Mighty Clouds of Joy, Elvis Presley, Bobby “Blue" Bland, The Temptations, and B.B. King. He loved sports, supporting both the Chargers and Padres, and enjoyed activities such as table tennis, racquetball, bowling, dancing, concerts, plays, and traveling. He was the first president of the 10-Speed Bicycle Club of Southeast San Diego, and he cherished dining out, exploring San Diego, and spending time with his family.

Beyond his accomplishments, Carl will be remembered for his compassion, integrity, and quiet strength. From a young age, he was recognized as trustworthy and dependable. At just 16 years old, while working at Mr. Tatum's Dry Cleaners, he was entrusted with managing the business, including keys, deliveries, and collections. To his family and friends, Carl was a pillar of strength-quiet, humble, reliable, and kind, with a sharp wit and sense of humor.

He was deeply committed to uplifting his community and was a devoted member of the Millionaire's Stock Club, where he proudly served as the group's ‘stockbroker' until his health declined. He also played a key role in community planning during the development of Market Creek Square, hosting meetings in his home to help bring resources, businesses, and infrastructure into Southeast San Diego. Today, establishments such as Food 4 Less, Starbucks, Subway, medical facilities, cultural centers, and the trolley station stand as a living testament to his willingness to serve.

Carl Wesley Coleman lived a life of faith, service, dedication, and love. He will be deeply missed but forever remembered by all whose lives he touched.

Carl was preceded in death by his parents, R.B. and Hester Coleman; his special cousin, Celia Coleman; his uncle and aunt, Buster and DellaMae Traylor; and his sisters, Phyllis Lilly Adams and Billy Gay. He leaves to cherish his memory: His devoted wife, Dorothy Coleman; two sons, Averell (the late Carrie Coleman) and Sterling (JoAnn Coleman); two daughters, Richelle Coleman and Tonya Coleman-Uzuakpundu (Kingsley Uzuakpundu). He is also survived by three brothers, Arthur Ray (Emma Coleman), Earl (Olivette Coleman), and Anthony (Talaya Coleman); one sister, Renita B. (C.R. Jones); sister cousins Doris Mildred, Bobby Neil, Annie Ruth, Do Jean, and Betty; special cousin R.J. Coleman and brother cousin Charles NeSmith. Carl's legacy continues through his ten beloved grandchildren: Dominique Coleman, Tanis Anderson (Royce Anderson), Justin Calderon (Michelle Calderon), Donye Caldwell, Ashante Coleman, Tiana Jenkins, Xavier Reid, Tiara Jenkins, Wynston (Shelby Coleman), and Patrick Derrick Jenkins Jr.

He was also blessed with four precious greatgrandchildren: Lester Fontenette Jr., Chloe Fontenette, Harriette Caldwell, and Indigo Caldwell.

In addition, he leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and friends who will forever hold his memory in their hearts.

"Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also."- John 14:1-2

O they tell me of a King in His beauty there,
And they tell me that mine eyes shall behold
Where He sits on the throne that is whiter than snow,
In the city that is made of gold...

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of CARL WESLEY COLEMAN, please visit our floral store.