Cecil Mitchell Coleman

Cecil Mitchell Coleman, age 94 of Athens, passed away Wednesday, August 14th, 2019 at the Hospice Care Center in Chattanooga. 
He proudly served his country as a Shipfitter 3rd Class in the US Navy aboard The USS Monterey during World War II.
A self taught musician, he played numerous instruments throughout the years and was a beloved lifetime member at Woodward Avenue Church of God, where he attended until his health declined.
He retired from Heil Corporation, then later enjoyed restoring old cars and owned Parkway Motors for many years.
He was preceded in death by his parents William Oliver and Nancy  Benfield Coleman, sisters Lou Garrison, Martha Hamilton, and Grace Lewellyn, brothers Jim, Fred, Homer, and Albert Coleman, son Duane and cherished wife Ina.
He is survived by sons and daughter in law Gary (Willie) Coleman and Tommy Coleman of Athens, grandchildren Carrie Vibbert, Tammie (Tracy) Murphy, Lori (Robert) Harbison, Nathan Coleman, Jon (Larissa) Coleman, and Bethany Coleman,  great-grandchildren Aaron (Morgan), Ansley, Abbie, and Aiden Vibbert, Kelsey and Kylie Murphy, Emma, Cole, and Brady Harbison, Samuel and Sarah Coleman, Ava and Leland Pritchard, and several nieces, nephews, and friends.
Many of his friends knew him as “Snappy”, and his grandchildren and great-grandchildren lovingly called him “Peanut”, as he always had a bag of peanuts or Juicy Fruit gum in his pocket and would hand them out with a smile.
Funeral services will be 7:30 P.M. Friday in Woodward Ave. Church of God with Rev. Wayne Fritts and Dr. Chris Thomas. Interment will be 11:00 A.M. Saturday in McMinn Memory Gardens with military honors. Active pallbearers will be Tracy Murphy,  Robert Harbison, Nathan Coleman, Jon Coleman, Aaron Vibbert, and Cole Harbison. The family will receive friends from 5:30 P.M. to 7:30 P.M.at the church. 
In lieu of flowers Memorial Contributions may be made to The Hospice Care Center of Chattanooga c/o 937 Blackford St., Chattanooga, TN 37403.
Those unable to attend may send condolences to www.laycockhobbs.com/notices/Cecil-Coleman.
Laycock-Hobbs Funeral Home in Athens is in charge of the arrangements.