Ralph Warren Coleman Sr.

Ralph Warren Coleman Sr., 88, of Wilmington, NC died Sunday February 4, 2024.

He was the son of the late Otis Martin Coleman and Lucile Ragland Coleman.

Ralph was born on May 27, 1935, in Lynchburg, Va. He attended school at E. C. Glass High School. He spent six years serving our country as a corpsman in the U.S. Navy and then was transferred to BFECT-Technician in the U.S. Marine Corps.

In Lynchburg Ralph worked for Lynchburg Foundry for 20 years before moving to Wilmington in 1979, primarily to go fishing. In Wilmington he worked for Pfizer/ADM until he retired. After retiring, Ralph’s entire life centered around walking with his dog Jinx. He was well known and loved by everyone in the neighborhood. 

Ralph is survived by his loving wife of 70 years, Claudine Faith Booth, his brother Fred E. Coleman, his brothers-in-law Aubrey Booth and James Reed, and sisters-in-law Nancy B. Duncan and Virginia B. Hubbard, in Lynchburg. He is also survived by his children Robin Faith Edney (Charles), R. Warren Coleman Jr. (Janet), and Martin H. Coleman; his grandchildren, Faith R. Vann (Derrick), Martina Hill (Ricky), Chase W. and Hunter D. Coleman, Charles Edney, Jr. and Randy Martinelli, his great grandchildren Rachel Hill-Malpass, Jordan Perry, Nathan Perry, Lainey and Coleman Vann. He is also survived by nieces Page and Ellen Coleman and their families.  

In addition to his parents, Ralph is predeceased by his brother Ronald Coleman, his son Timothy Lee Coleman, his daughter-in-law Julie M. Coleman, his brother-in-law John H. Booth and sister-in-law Jane B. Reed.

An informal memorial service will be held on Wednesday, February 14, 2024, at 11 a.m. at Tharp Funeral Home, in Lynchburg, VA, with visitation one hour prior to the service. This will be followed by a full military ceremony at Fort Hill Cemetery in Lynchburg.

Ralph’s family wishes to recognize the love and care he has received from the Wilmington Veteran’s Administration in the past years. They are also grateful for the Wilmington Police, Fire Department and EMTs. They very much appreciate the help that computer experts Joe and Nathan have provided over the years.

In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to the New Hanover County Animal shelter.  

Tharp Funeral Home, Lynchburg is assisting the family.