Rev. John William Coleman, 78, a lifelong resident of Mendenhall, Mississippi

Rev. John William Coleman, 78, a lifelong resident of Mendenhall, passed away Thursday, July 4, 2024, surrounded by his family. Born February 11, 1946, to John Alvie Coleman and Ruby Shoemaker Coleman, John remained close to the family home throughout his lifetime.

A graduate of Mendenhall High School, John was a member of the Mendenhall High School band as a drum major and later proudly enlisted in the United States Air Force, in which he served four years. Following his return from service, John settled in Weathersby where he married Rhonda Hamblett in 1972, and they raised a family with their only daughter, Amber.

In 1975, John surrendered to the ministry and began pastoring Athens Baptist Church, where he remained until his retirement in early 2024. He obtained his Masters from the University of Southern Mississippi, in Marriage and Family Counseling and thoroughly enjoyed being able to utilize that knowledge in his pastoral and community service.

A retiree of the United States Postal Service, John loved his near-40 years as a rural carrier. A quiet man, he loved being outdoors and working with his hands. He was incredibly proud of his grandchildren and loved spending his retirement watching them participate in their many activities.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John A. Coleman and Ruby S. Coleman; sister, Henri Lou Beasley; and brother-in-law, Don Beasley.

Survivors include his wife, Rhonda Hamblett Coleman; daughter, Amber Coleman Buckley and son-in-law, Bryan Buckley; grandchildren, Emma Wallace, Sadee Wallace, John Wallace (father, Jason Wallace) and Sarah Buckley; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Terry and Freida Hamblett and Edward; sister in law, Sonya Savage; niece, Sara Ware and nephew Vance Hamblett; niece Amy Beasley and nephews Jon Beasley and Ben Beasley.

A memorial service will be held on Sunday, July 14, 2024, at Athens Baptist Church in Mendenhall. Tutor Funeral Home of Mendenhall is in charge of arrangements. Donations to the Simpson Baptist Association may be made in his memory, in lieu of flowers.

Special thanks to Simpson General Hospital and VitalCare Hospice.