Obituary for William A. Coleman, Jr.
William Author Coleman, Jr was born on November 28, 1972 at Greater Southeast Hospital in Washington, DC to William A. Coleman, Sr. and Joyce R. Coleman. William affectionately known as “Beaver” or “Beave” was given this nickname by his dad after watching him for an afternoon. The story goes while watching the show “Leave It To Beaver” the character Beaver got into everything. He said because William kept getting into everything, he started calling him Beaver and he answered. William had a kind heart and would give his last to make anyone happy. His humor was contagious, and he was loved by all. William was a sought-after businessman and home improvement professional with exceptional carpentry and engineering skills. He was also a proud Washington Redskins fan. William loved the Lord and attended Greater Zion Hill BC, Smyra, GA. He loved his church family and would often be found having one to two hour conversations in the parking lot after church with members. He had the ability to make people feel special even strangers.
William grew up in the suburbs of Maryland. He was a happy child who participated in boy scouts, martial arts, and playing musical instruments. His passion for music came at an early age; he played the trumpet, which would be the first of ten instruments, he mastered in life. During his youth, he spent his summers in Kenbridge, VA with his grandparents where he grew to love piano and learned craftsmanship in carpentry from his grandfather, Benjamin Doswell, Sr. “Daddy Ben.” He attended the Longfield Elementary School, Andrew Jackson Middle School, and later graduated from the Suitland High School of the Performing Arts in 1990 receiving special awards and recognition in music. Following graduation, William represented our country honorably and joined the United States Navy traveling internationally.
William was known for being one of the most quintessential Bass Guitarist of his time. William received his first bass from his Aunt Sammie and has been rocking ever since. His manipulation of bass lines always pushed the limits. William’s performed alongside international entertainers, while composing original music with groups including gospel groups J.A.M. (Jesus And Me), Elijah Jones Jr.; and Anointed Praize from Smyrna, GA to name a few. His ability to improvise chord progressions with the Electric Bass allowed for self-expression that can’t often be duplicated.
William was a lover and not a fighter. He married and divorced twice. While playing for J.A.M. he would meet Gina Charles, fellow band member and vocalist. From this union his first son Jordan Coleman was born. Then he met Kandra Smith. From this union his son’s Jaz Coleman and Guillermo Coleman were born. William adored his family and experienced what he called his greatest accomplishments when he became a father. He took special time to teach each of them valuable life skills including having them shadow him in professional endeavors. He also nurtured their love for music and taught them various instruments from piano to guitar.
William adored his family and was a devoted friend to many. He maintained over twenty plus years relationships with friends from high school including Tami Hill-Thomas “Big Sis”, Donyea Thomas, Elijah “Manny” Jones, Bryant Dillard, Lance Wells, Steven Faison Sr. Cheryl Hill Henderson to name a few. William also mentored many young and talented musicians including Antonio Lee Jr, Austell, GA.
Preceding him in death is William A. Coleman, Sr., Father; Jermaine R. Coleman, Brother; Rose Coleman, Aunt and Benjamin Doswell, Jr., Uncle.
Left to cherish his memory is his precious Joyce R. Coleman; Mother; Jordan Coleman, Jaz Coleman, and Guillermo Coleman, and JT Smith, Sons; Robert Doswell and Jarvis Coleman, Brothers; Allison Hargrove; Sister; Sammie Coleman, Mickey Coleman, and Joyce Coleman; Aunts; Karaya Coleman, Niece; Shawn Coleman and Desmond Coleman; Nephews; Joi Morris; Girlfriend; And a host of loved ones, Atlanta family, Maryland family, friends, business associates, and church family worldwide.
Funeral Services Thursday, October 10, 2019 at 1:00 pm at W.E. Hawkes & Son Funeral Home, Blackstone. Interment private.
W.E. Hawkes & Son Funeral Home of Blackstone in charge of arrangements.
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William grew up in the suburbs of Maryland. He was a happy child who participated in boy scouts, martial arts, and playing musical instruments. His passion for music came at an early age; he played the trumpet, which would be the first of ten instruments, he mastered in life. During his youth, he spent his summers in Kenbridge, VA with his grandparents where he grew to love piano and learned craftsmanship in carpentry from his grandfather, Benjamin Doswell, Sr. “Daddy Ben.” He attended the Longfield Elementary School, Andrew Jackson Middle School, and later graduated from the Suitland High School of the Performing Arts in 1990 receiving special awards and recognition in music. Following graduation, William represented our country honorably and joined the United States Navy traveling internationally.
William was known for being one of the most quintessential Bass Guitarist of his time. William received his first bass from his Aunt Sammie and has been rocking ever since. His manipulation of bass lines always pushed the limits. William’s performed alongside international entertainers, while composing original music with groups including gospel groups J.A.M. (Jesus And Me), Elijah Jones Jr.; and Anointed Praize from Smyrna, GA to name a few. His ability to improvise chord progressions with the Electric Bass allowed for self-expression that can’t often be duplicated.
William was a lover and not a fighter. He married and divorced twice. While playing for J.A.M. he would meet Gina Charles, fellow band member and vocalist. From this union his first son Jordan Coleman was born. Then he met Kandra Smith. From this union his son’s Jaz Coleman and Guillermo Coleman were born. William adored his family and experienced what he called his greatest accomplishments when he became a father. He took special time to teach each of them valuable life skills including having them shadow him in professional endeavors. He also nurtured their love for music and taught them various instruments from piano to guitar.
William adored his family and was a devoted friend to many. He maintained over twenty plus years relationships with friends from high school including Tami Hill-Thomas “Big Sis”, Donyea Thomas, Elijah “Manny” Jones, Bryant Dillard, Lance Wells, Steven Faison Sr. Cheryl Hill Henderson to name a few. William also mentored many young and talented musicians including Antonio Lee Jr, Austell, GA.
Preceding him in death is William A. Coleman, Sr., Father; Jermaine R. Coleman, Brother; Rose Coleman, Aunt and Benjamin Doswell, Jr., Uncle.
Left to cherish his memory is his precious Joyce R. Coleman; Mother; Jordan Coleman, Jaz Coleman, and Guillermo Coleman, and JT Smith, Sons; Robert Doswell and Jarvis Coleman, Brothers; Allison Hargrove; Sister; Sammie Coleman, Mickey Coleman, and Joyce Coleman; Aunts; Karaya Coleman, Niece; Shawn Coleman and Desmond Coleman; Nephews; Joi Morris; Girlfriend; And a host of loved ones, Atlanta family, Maryland family, friends, business associates, and church family worldwide.
Funeral Services Thursday, October 10, 2019 at 1:00 pm at W.E. Hawkes & Son Funeral Home, Blackstone. Interment private.
W.E. Hawkes & Son Funeral Home of Blackstone in charge of arrangements.
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