LeRoy Coleman

Coach LeRoy Coleman, 74, of Woodway, Texas transitioned into Heaven Saturday, February 12, 2022.  Visition with the family will be 5:00 - 7:00 pm, Friday, February 18, 2022 at The Church of the Open Door, 900 N. Loop 340, Waco, Texas 76705.  The Celebratory Life Service will take place 11 am, Saturday, February 19, 2022 also at The Church of the Open Door.  Private family interment will occur at Oakwood Cemetery at a later date.

Mr. Leroy Coleman was born January 26, 1948, to Leroy Coleman and Beatrice Bean in White Hall, Texas.

As a young child, after moving to Temple, TX he was raised by his stepfather, Hiawatha Pink and Beatrice Pink. He was the middle sibling of three children.

Leroy was preceded in death by his parents Leroy Coleman, Beatrice Pink and stepfather Hiawatha Pink, brother William Haynes, and niece, Charessa Thomas.

At a young age, Leroy joined Crestview Church of Christ. As a young adult, he became a member of 10th & Ave M Church of Christ. After moving to Waco, TX, he became a member of St. Luke AME Church and later Roberson Chapel AME and just recently united with New Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church, where he and his devoted wife actively participated as faithful members.

Leroy was educated in the Temple Independent School District. He attended Dunbar-Meridith High School and graduated in 1966.  Upon graduation from high school, he attended Bishop College in Dallas, TX.  The following year, he transferred to Paul Quinn College where he graduated in 1970, with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Physical Education. As a lifelong learner, he received his Masters Degree in 1994, from Prairie View A&M University, in Educational Administration. Leroy was a member of the Texas High School Coaches Association and served on the Advisory Committee 1999-2000 and the North All-Star Select Committee 2001.

Coach Coleman began his teaching career in Temple, TX in 1971.  Where his first position was at Travis Middle School.  He later moved to Temple High School and was hired as a Defensive Line Coach in 1974. In 1977, he made the move to Waco, TX and was hired as Head Boys Basketball Coach at University High School. In 1981, he became the Head Football and Athletic Coordinator. After 30 years of service, Coleman retiredfrom Waco Independent School District, in 2007. Soon after, Coleman joined forces with his close friend Mr. Willie Willams and the La Vega Independent School District as an Assistant Coach for 14 years.

Coleman mentored numerous young men who play college football as well as Professional Football. In 1993, 1996 and 2002 University High School had some of their most successful seasons, advancing multiple rounds in the playoffs. Coleman is the all-time winningest coach at University High School, where he still holds this record today. Coleman was privileged to coach in four state title games and was a part of the Pirates two state championships titles. Leroy Coleman was the recipient of the Dave Campbell Award in August of 2008. On September 24, 2021, Coleman was an inductee into the Waco Independent School District Hall of Fame.

Coach Coleman was introduced to Geraldine Booker by a close friend and colleague, Yvonne Reed Shivers. He married Geraldine Booker, June 4, 1983.  To this union two sons were born: Coby Coleman and Carl Coleman.

To cherish his memory; Beloved and devoted wife of 38 years, Geraldine Coleman, two sons Coby Coleman, Carl Coleman, nephew and bonus son Charles Thomas, two grandsons, Cai Coleman, Cayden Coleman, sister Gloria Thomas Farrow, nieces, Charmae Thomas, Dr. Lya Whiting Snell (Eddie), nephews, Shawntrelle Farrow, Albert Christopher Whiting, sisters-in-law, Sheryl Whiting, Theresa Cutter, Cheryl Turner, Patricia Hammons, brother-in-law, Tommie Baines (Monica), aunts, Mae Greenfield (bonus mother), Delores P. Grayson, cousins, Theolyn Miller (bonus sister), Helaine Shorter (bonus sister), Dr. William "Sam" Greenfield (Tiffany), Chris Whiting (Kimberly Leah), Miles Miller IV, great-niece, Keegan Thomas, God children, Justyce and Nathan Barnes and a host of nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, cousins, family and friends.

Registry for LeRoy Coleman