Lt. Col. Bobby Leon Coleman, United States Marine Corps (Retired), age 83, of South Knoxville, passed away, February 21, 2021 at home surrounded by his family. Bob was a native of Knoxville, Tennessee born to Roy Victor and Mattie Irene Knight Coleman. He was a graduate of South High School in 1955 and graduated with a BA in Mathematics from Vanderbilt University in 1961 as a recipient of the Naval Enlisted Scientific Education Program. He went on to complete his studies with a MS in Math Education and a PhD of Philosophy in Education from the University of Tennessee in 1991. Bob was a Marine Corps Officer of 25 years, who served two tours in Vietnam and flew 330 combat missions in the Skyhawk and A-6 Intruder. He was the recipient of 21 Air Medals including the Distinguished Flying Cross. He was also a tenured professor of math and statistics for 25 years at Pellissippi State Technical Community College. Bob was a life time member and deacon at Sevier Heights Baptist Church and was active in the church choir. He enjoyed time with his wife and daughters as an All Star Coach and Commissioner of Bobby Sox Softball.
Bob was survived by the love of his life for 64 years, Emma Lue "Boots" Ott Coleman; loving daughters, Cathy Mayo (Bobby), Cheryl Farrow (Jeff) and Julie Stephenson (Douglas); son-in-law, Clark Schweer; grandchildren, Samantha, Jennifer (Hayden), Jason (Denise), Benjamin (Kate), Ashley (Patrick), Lucas (Sarah) and Jacob (Sierra); great-grandchildren, Camden, McCoy, Jett, Layla, Hunter, Banner, Kylie, Mackenzie and Liberty.
The family will receive friends Wednesday, February 24, 2021 from 4 to 7 pm with a celebration of life to follow at 7 pm in the chapel of Berry Funeral Home; Rev. Charlie McNutt officiating. Family and friends will meet at East Tennessee Veterans Cemetery Thursday, February 25, 2021 at 2pm for interment services with full military honors.
Arrangements by Berry Funeral Home, 3704 Chapman Highway, Knoxville, Tennessee 37920. Online condolences may be made at www.berryfuneralhome.com.
