James Albert "Al" Coleman

Mr. James Albert “Al” Coleman, age 81, of Bolivar left this world on July 4, 2020, at Pine Meadows Healthcare in Bolivar to go to his heavenly home.

Services will be held on Wednesday, July 8, with Dr. Jim Koonce of Jackson, a long time neighbor and family friend, officiating. Visitation for family and friends will be from noon – 2:00 p.m., with the service at 2:00 p.m. in the funeral home chapel. Burial will be in the Bolivar Memorial Cemetery with Shackelford Funeral Directors providing professional services.

Mr. Coleman was a native of Henderson, Chester County, Tennessee, and was the oldest son of James Alvin and Mary Emma (Lanier) Coleman. He graduated from Chester County High School in 1956 and was a graduate of the West Tennessee Business College. Mr. Coleman was a veteran of the United States Army, Specialist 5th Class; he was trained in computers and programming while in the Army and worked with them throughout his career. He was a Data Analyst and Systems Programmer at Harman Automotive for 31 years; in his semi-retirement he worked in accounting for the Hardeman County Correctional Facility, and worked part-time for several years in the Electronics Department at Wal-Mart, where he enjoyed helping customers learn more about electronics.

Mr. Coleman was a member of First Baptist Church in Bolivar where he taught in the children’s Sunday School and Church Training departments, was a member of the Sanctuary Choir, many of the Living Christmas Tree choirs, the Golden Sounds Choir, and the Handbell Choir. He also served as a Deacon in the church for many years. He enjoyed working with electronics of all kinds, especially computers, watching Western movies and television shows, music, photography, and genealogy.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 55 years, Freddie Lee (Kiestler) Coleman, and a brother, Robert Gregory “Greg” Coleman of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. He is survived by his two children, Lisa Coleman and Chris Coleman, both of Bolivar. He is also survived by his brother and sister-in-law, Hal and Joyce Coleman of Jackson, Tennessee; his sister-in-law, Debbie Coleman of Crawford, Tennessee, and several cousins, nieces, and nephews.

The family would like to express their gratitude to the wonderful and kind staffs of Pine Meadows Healthcare and Bolivar General Hospital for the care they provided to him over the past few months.

Memorials may be sent to Hardeman Adoptable Animals or the American Heart Association.

While visiting or attending services for Mr. Coleman, please consider the following guidelines:

* Maintain 6 feet between yourself and the next closest person;
* Refrain from hugs and handshakes;
* When you sneeze or cough, use your elbow to cover your nose and mouth;
* Wash your hands often;
* Avoid touching your face; and
* Minimize time spent in places where people gather.

Thank you for your thoughtfulness and consideration.