On behalf of all 254 women of the Orlando Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution, we honor Bill for his instrumental support. He made it possible for the installation of our DAR memorial, "Patriots of the American Revolution, 1775-1783, Heroes of Liberty" at the Central Florida Veterans Memorial Park, Lake Baldwin, Orlando. We send our deepest condolence to his precious family. He will forever live in our hearts. --Jane Hancock Markheim, Chaplain, Orlando DAR.

Bill you are a true American hero and will be greatly missed by us all. You greeted everyone with a smile and left a positive impact every where you traveled. Rest in peace my friend.

To all the Coleman family: I was so sad to hear of Bill's death. For almost 60 years, he was like a second dad to me. Being best friends with Bonny, I have many wonderful memories of the Coleman family, especially the trip to California.
 I was so glad to see Bill at my dad's funeral and find it hard to believe that he's gone, too. You are in my thoughts and prayers. 
Ann Trumbower Peters   West Jefferson, NC

Dear Coleman Family,
Bill's burial service with full military honors was quite fitting for a WWII veteran who has done so much for veterans from WWI to the present. He helped secure the beautiful location for the Veterans of the Battle of the Bulge monument at Lake Eola to remind all future generations of the ultimate sacrifice paid by 19,000 US Armed Forces in the Ardennes Forest 68 years ago this month. Thank you, Bill, for your service to your Country, the State of Florida, and the City of Orlando. On behalf of the Jeanette Meisel Family & VBOB, God Bless You in eternal Peace...

May the Coleman Family be comforted by God's word Isaiah (65:17)

Bill was a great friend and mentor.  He gave me the needed push to start my own broadcasting business.  I was grateful for his support and honored to know him.  My best to Toni and the Coleman family.
Steve Rondinaro - French Lick, IN

A true American Hero in every way. May you rest in peace.

Only knew trooper Bill Coleman from his many appearances at the veterans parade and various related functions around Central Florida. His vitality and enigmatic smile epitomizes the can do spirit of the American Paratrooper and what a thrill to see him in full 101st Airborne Operation Overlord authenic para jump uniform. Always had time for this "whippersnapper" to chat and acknowledge our past service as "sky soldiers". Saw the sign yesterday outside La Cantina's, a fitting tribute to  Orlandos loss of another of the "Greatest Generation". Maroon beret graveside tomorrow........

Lt DD Odell
Engine 5
Orlando Fire Dept. 
Co C 1/508 Abn Inf 82nd Airborne

Bill, was a great man and a great SAE. He will be missed

Words cannot adequately express what warm feelings I have for Bill in my heart. My thoughts and prayers are with the family right now, and especially for my good friend, Toni. Love from CJ

Dear Coleman Family, We send our deepest condolences.  May you all be comforted by what an an incredible man he was.

I was a friend who worked at Delta Airlines in the ticket office.  My husband also served at Normandy and we gave an authentic German Flag to Bill for the Historic society many years ago. He was a good man and it was a pleasure to know him. Rest in Peace. Rev. gloria and Bob Wheeler. Bob died in 2006 with Alsheimers.

Toni, Billy, Kim, and Kevin,
We will really miss Bill.  His appearances in the Florida House in uniform for military appreciation day were always a highlight of session.  May God comfort you in this time of mourning.

I knew this day was sure to come, but somehow never truly thought it would because Bill was larger than life in so many wonderful ways. His exuberance for life, country and others filled every room he entered and was contagious. Yet, whenever anyone spoke to him of being a hero he would always humbly say, "No, the heroes were the ones who didn't come home." 

Since meeting Bill, he has been the first one I think of on Veterans Day and I'm sure I will every year at that time. He will always be my hero. 

May God comfort the Coleman family in your loss. You are in my heart and prayers.

I have known Bill for over thirty years. It would be hard to find a better man. God bless him and his family. Tom Locker, former Orange County Comptroller

Bill served as a Board Member for CRIMELINE 423-TIPS here in Orlando back in the late 80s.    He was dedicated, very smart, and a fine man.  Rest in Peace Bill.    Hank Halbert,  Former Executive Director - CRIMELINE 423-TIPS

Toni (&Family), Please accept my thoughts & prayers for your loss. I was priviledged to have spent time in Bill's company at the University Club, and wanted to say thank you again for time he spent last year at lunch with my Uncle Ray Keough (P.O.W.)in WW II talking about their experiences together, which ultimately proved to be very beneficial to my uncle in his continued healing from that experience. Your husband (Father) was a true gentleman, and it was my pleasure to have known him.

A particularly hard loss for Bill's cousin Buster.  The adventures Bill, Buster and Speedy had when growing up...well, let's just say Bill was a great leader even then!  We will miss him terribly.  God bless Toni and all of Bill's family.

Billy, Kim, Kevin and all the rest of the family:
I wanted to let you know how much you are in my thoughts and prayers at this time.  I always thought your Dad was the one sane Coleman and now he is gone. I hope you know that was a light hearted statement but pretty much true from my perspective! I love you all and wish I could be there for you at this time.
Your cuz from Arkansas,
Lynn Radebaugh Hendry

Bill, so sorry to hear of the passing of your father.  I know he was a great man and has left you with many memories.  I hope you find peace soon, my prayers are with you and your kids.

Bob Phillips

Bill, I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your father. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Brenda Richardson

I am very sorry for your loss. I was in the same place when I lost my dad last year. There are no words for the hurt, he also was a WWII vet. You are in my prayers.

We were saddened to learn of the passing of Bill. What a great American and it was our pleasure to know him. Our hearts and prayers are with Toni and the entire Coleman family.

Tom and Pam Langford

Thanks for being my friend and mentor Bill. I am a better man because of you.

I consider the day I met this fine man one of most cherished events. I can say he was and will always remain a shiny example of a southern gentleman. I hope one day to see his smile again.

I have such fond memories of Bill and am so appreciative of all he has done to bring Central Florida Veterans funding and approval for  a well deserved VA hospital. He raised awareness and brought so many people together working for one goal. We will miss him and think of his mission as it moves forward.  Laura Finfrock

Bill Coleman was not only my hero, he was everyone's version of a hero.  This due not only to his military service but also the way he led his life afterward.  We've lost another of America's greatest, but I will remember every conversation as an opportunity to be in the presence of a special man.

Bill Coleman was a humble hero who inspired our Scouts with his amazing stories of resiliency and service. You will be missed.

Such an amazing american,it's a hard loss.The gravity of the horrific things this man lived,humbles me.The selfless servant he was inspires me,and the vibrance of his personality will comfort me.I will forever be grateful I had the privilage to know him.. RIP Bill

Linda's La Cantina Steakhouse

My wife and I knew Mr. Coleman for 26 years.  You need look no further for a real American Hero.  We were honored to know him and grateful our sons were able to meet him at numerous Boy Scout events where he would regale the young men with stories of WWII.  Tre' & Kathleen Evers

as i flew over the new veterans hospital i cried and said a prayer of thanks for the friendship of 40 years of bill rest in peace my friend                                    tom prince

It was an honor to know Bill and always an inspiration to converse with him. My condolences to Toni and family.

He will be greatly missed. He was such a caring and giving gentleman.   He always greeted everyone with a warm smile.  When I asked how he was, he always replied "blessed to be alive".  May he rest in peace.

Gina Varitek, Controller
University Club of Orlando

I and my family were enriched to have the Colemans as neighbors in the late 1960s. He touched our lives and leaves us a better place. He will be well remembered.
MaryAnn McDeed Pinkston and family

A great community servant...an example for all to follow!  
Robert Stuart, Sr. and family

Saddened by the passing of this GREAT American......  Windermere Mayor Gary Bruhn

OBITUARY

William C. Coleman, Jr.

21 January, 1925 – 13 December, 2012

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