Garland Melvin

Coleman, Jr.

On June 23, 1960, in Richmond, Virginia, a remarkable life began with the birth of Garland Melvin Coleman Jr., born to Daisy Coleman and Garland Melvin Coleman Sr. Garland's earthly journey came to an end on October 16, 2026, the memories he created, the wisdom he shared, and the love he gave will continue to live through generations.

Affectionately known to family and friends as “Nunnie,” “Boone,” and “Uncle Nunnie,” Garland was a man whose personality, talents, laughter, and love would leave an unforgettable impression on everyone blessed to know him.

Garland was raised in Wilmington, Delaware, by his beloved grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. White. His educational journey took him through the school systems of Richmond, Virginia; New York; and Wilmington, Delaware. In 1980, he proudly graduated from Brandywine High School in Wilmington, Delaware, an accomplishment that marked an important chapter in his life.

Although Garland was not a member of a particular church, his faith in God remained strong and unwavering. His relationship with God was personal, and his belief in Him was a meaningful part of his life’s journey.

A Man of Many Talents and a Strong Work Ethic

Garland was blessed with extraordinary creativity, skilled hands, and a remarkable ability to learn, build, repair, and create.

Throughout his life, he held various positions that reflected his versatility, determination, and strong work ethic.

While living in Wilmington, Delaware, Garland worked at an airport painting airplanes. During his time in New York, he was employed by Sears and Roebuck as a mattress installer at the Staten Island Mall for two years.

He later dedicated fifteen years to Symbol Mattress Company, holding several lead positions between Richmond, Virginia, and Pottstown, Pennsylvania.

Garland made Pottstown his home for six years before relocating to Milton, Florida, where he worked for Moddex Rubber Company. His professional journey also included construction and masonry work on bridges, demonstrating his craftsmanship, strength, and willingness to take on new challenges.

In his final years of employment, Garland dedicated seven years to Specialty Finishes, where he served as a Lead Metal Finisher. This position reflected his exceptional craftsmanship, attention to detail, leadership abilities, and the pride he took in working with his hands. His dedication and skill were qualities that defined him throughout his working life.

His hands were truly gifted. Beyond his professional accomplishments, Garland was an exceptional seamster who could sew with remarkable skill. He could also style hair, cook, clean, decorate, and transform ordinary things into something special.

There seemed to be very little Garland couldn’t do once he put his mind and hands to it.

After living and working in several states, Garland eventually made Richmond, Virginia, his permanent home, while continuing to visit New York and Wilmington, Delaware, where he maintained meaningful connections with family and friends.

The Rhythm of His Life

Garland was a man who knew how to enjoy life!

Outgoing, energetic, adventurous, and naturally entertaining, he had a personality that could brighten any room.

He loved music and dancing, especially breakdancing, and was known for his ability to bring excitement and laughter to a gathering. Whether he was dancing, throwing a party, or simply spending time with loved ones, Garland knew how to create an unforgettable atmosphere.

He was truly the life of the party.

His interests were as diverse as his talents. Garland enjoyed chess, pool, boxing, basketball, karate, and jujitsu. He was a devoted fan of the New York Giants and New York Knicks, proudly supporting his favorite teams.

He also loved fast cars and the freedom of the open highway. Driving was one of his favorite pleasures, and he was known for his adventurous spirit behind the wheel—even occasionally steering with his knees, a memory that family and friends may recall with a smile.

And Garland certainly appreciated the finer things in life, including beautiful women. A charming ladies’ man with confidence and charisma, he enjoyed looking good, feeling good, and making a memorable impression.

When it came to fashion, Garland was in a class of his own. He loved to dress, and his collection of stylish hats was part of his signature look. Whether attending a special occasion or simply stepping out, he carried himself with confidence and unmistakable style.

Garland also had a wonderful sense of humor and a language all his own. His unforgettable expressions, “Goonie Goo Goo” and “Woo Woo Woo,” were part of the personality that made him so special.

Those who knew him can almost hear his voice saying those familiar words today.

His smile was magnetic, his laughter contagious, and his presence unforgettable.

A Heart of Gold, A Love Without End

Beyond his remarkable talents, adventurous spirit, sharp sense of style, and larger-than-life personality was Garland’s greatest treasure: his heart of gold.

Garland possessed a beautiful combination of compassion, kindness, generosity, and genuine love for others. He was the kind of man who would extend a helping hand, share his knowledge, offer encouragement, or give of himself simply because someone was in need.

His heart was as remarkable as his talents, and his willingness to help others spoke volumes about the man he was.

Although he enjoyed the finer things in life, Garland understood that life’s greatest riches could not be measured in material possessions. They were found in the relationships he cherished, the laughter he shared, the memories he created, and the love he gave so freely.

Above all, Garland was a family man. His love for his children, grandchildren, relatives, and those he held dear was endless. Family was not simply a part of his life; it was at the very heart of who he was.

He enjoyed bringing people together, creating memories, sharing laughter, and making those around him feel welcomed and appreciated.

He could fill a room with laughter, light up a gathering with his personality, and leave someone feeling better simply because their paths had crossed.

Garland had a heart of gold, a spirit full of life, and a love that knew no limits.

Although his heart no longer beats here on earth, the love that flowed from it will continue to live in the hearts of everyone he touched.

The Love He Leaves Behind

Garland was preceded in death by his parents, Garland Melvin Coleman Sr. and Daisy Coleman; stepmother, Dorothy “Dot” Coleman; grandparents, Melba and Cornelia White; beloved son, Garland Coleman III; three sisters, Debbie Coleman, Alnita “Nita” Coleman, and Valerie Sears; aunt, Martha Martin; uncle, Robert Coleman Jr. and two nieces, Kalada Kenney and Lisa Coleman.

Garland was the loving father of Charina Coleman and Nakia Coleman-Potts (as Keeara Howard); six cherished grandchildren, Zha’ Monykue Davis, Kyleir Coleman-Smith, Nakya Coleman-Smith, Pereon Washington, Kyneef Coleman-Smith, and Ny’Airah Gray-Coleman; stepsister, Michele “Mickey” Sears; a host of devoted uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, other loving family members and friends, two devoted, Tony Lewis and Dean Sutton.

A Legacy That Lives Forever

Garland’s life was a beautiful combination of strength, creativity, wisdom, laughter, adventure, and love.

He was a man who could build with his hands, think strategically over a chessboard, express himself through music and movement, bring joy into a room, and extend compassion to those in need.

He was a craftsman, an artist, a dancer, a sports enthusiast, a sharp dresser, an entertainer, a father, a grandfather, and a friend.

But most importantly, he was a man who loved his family deeply.

We will remember the dancing, the hats, the laughter, the familiar sayings, the stories, the celebrations, and the moments that made him uniquely Garland. And above all, we will remember his heart of gold. His life reminds us that a person’s greatest legacy is not measured by what they possess, but by the love they give and the lives they touch. His rhythm was unforgettable, his wisdom was treasured, his artistry was remarkable; his style was undeniable, his smile and laughter were contagious, his heart was made of gold and his love will live forever.

Forever Our Nunnie. Forever Our Boone. Forever in Our Hearts.

Remains rest at Scott's Funeral Home, 115 E Brookland Park Blvd. where viewing will be held from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, November 6, 2026. Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, November 7 at Scott's Chapel, 116 E Brookland Park Blvd. Interment Oakwood Cemetery.