Paul A. Coley

Paul A. Coley Sr., “Granddaddy,” of Jacksonville, Florida passed from this life on January 9, 2011 at the Community Hospice Hadlow Center. He was born on September 24, 1919 at the family farm in Montrose, Georgia. He left the family farm to join the Army Air Corps in 1941 and was honorably discharged as a Staff Sergeant in December of 1945. While in the Army Air Corps he met and married the love of his life Vida, whom he shared a strong loving partnership with for 62 years until her death in 2006.

After serving in the military, Paul enrolled at the University of Georgia and obtained his BS and MA degrees in Education. He worked as a teacher, coach, and principal in Jackson County Fl. followed by an appointment as principal in Chattahoochee. Showing dedication within the Chattahoochee community, Paul served as Chairman of the Official Board at the Methodist Church as well as President of the Rotary Club. Honored by the Chattahoochee Community, he received the Outstanding Citizen of the Year award. He was principal of Jefferson County High School followed by his appointment as principal at Godby High School in Tallahassee. He later went to the Florida Department of Education, where he monitored science programs in public high schools and served as District Director of the Florida High School Activities Association from 1966-1972.

It is often said the most precious things in life cannot be built by hand or bought by man. Paul lived a modest life but shared many precious things with his family: feeling the love of God, seeing worth in everyone he came in contact with, touching the lives of his students, hearing the same story by his grandchildren over and over with the same enthusiasm, and his charming and infectious personality. He loved sweet iced tea, fireworks, Georgia Bulldogs, and the annual Coley family reunions. Paul was guided in life by the Rotary Four-Way Test: Is it the truth; Is it fair; Will it build goodwill and friendships, and will it be beneficial to all concerned?

There to greet him in his new life were Vida Coley (wife), his five siblings, Andrea Coley (Granddaughter), and Veda Coley Rutledge (Granddaughter). Those left behind are one son P. Andrew Coley Jr. MD (Kathy), two Grandchildren Erin Coley and Talmadge Coley (Victoria), one great granddaughter Carson Coley Rutledge, sister-in-law Ann Henderson (Charles), many nieces and nephews, and extended family member Donna Signorile (Gina). The family would like to thank his additional caretakers Lou Kiley, JR. Williams, and Laverne Maples.

Funeral services will be held 2:00 PM Friday, January 14, 2010 at Southside United Methodist Church. Family will receive friends from 6-8 PM Thursday at Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home, 4115 Hendricks Avenue.

The family suggests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Stephens Ministry c/o Southside United Methodist Church.