William Coleman

Obituaries

Tuesday, 23 May 2023 10:11

William “Dr. Bill” H. Coleman, 83 of Scottsboro, born on Sunday, February 18, 1940, went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, May 11, 2023. A celebration of life was held on Tuesday, May 16, 2023 in the fellowship hall of First United Methodist Church of Scottsboro with burial following in Gross Cemetery.

Dr. Bill attended Jemison High, followed by Alabama College before obtaining a PhD in Anatomy and an MD from the UAB School of Medicine. He continued his goal of teaching by training medical students throughout his distinguished career as a family physician. He took the specialty of Family Medicine forward as president of the American Academy of Family Physicians, promoting rural medicine at the state and national level, working with Congress and President Clinton’s White House collective to assure health care remains available to all.

Although his professional achievements are robust, it was his compassion for others that left a lasting legacy, serving with International Medical Missions, the Lions Club and their vision initiative (recently becoming only one of 12 inductees thus far in the Lion’s club Hall of Fame) and the local Mercy Place Celebrate Recovery at First UMC of Scottsboro. Dr. Bill’s personal passions included being an Alabama fan, working in his way too big garden and yard, loving his grandchildren and fellowship with friends.

He is survived by his daughter, Sharon Royal; son, Dr. Hardin (Frances) Coleman; grandchildren, Stephen and Brandon Royal, Kate and Will Coleman; along with several very special nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Edgar Hardin and Ruth Coleman; brother, John Coleman; recently by his beloved wife of 61 years, Johnnie Coleman.

As his final wish, the Dr. William H. Coleman Nursing Career Advancement Scholarship has been created to promote further training of his respected nursing friends and colleagues at HH Highlands Medical Center.

In lieu of flowers, donations are appreciated to support this endeavor and can be sent to: Greater Kansas City Community Foundation, c/o The Coleman Family Foundation, 5700 West 112th Street, Suite 200, Overland Park, Kansas 66211.

The family also sends a special heartfelt thanks to Highlands Home Health and Heartlite Hospice.