Bobby Bennett Coleman
August 15, 1939 - July 30, 2026
Bobby Bennett Coleman, age 86, left his earthly home to claim a new one already prepared for him in heaven on Thursday, July 30, 2026.
Born on August 15, 1939, Bobby was the youngest son of the late Green and Riney Caroline (Thacker) Coleman. He met and married his soulmate, Phoebe Joyce Rowe at the age of 19.
Bobby was first introduced to the importance of hard work and dedication on the family farm in Kentucky. Throughout his life, Bobby showed an exemplary work ethic and unparalleled dedication to his immediate and extended family. He retired in 2002 after working forty-four years, from the Chrysler Corporation. In addition to his full-time position at Chrysler, Bobby worked multiple part-time jobs in order to support his wife Phoebe and five children, and to support his younger brother Eugene in a second family home. He was a former deacon at Friendship Baptist Church in Newark, DE. Anyone who knew him, knew that his love of God and family were the driving forces in his life.
In addition to his parents and nine of his ten siblings, Bobby was preceded in death by his son, Robert T. Coleman; granddaughters, Brandy Coleman and April Coleman; grandson, Matthew Coleman; and great-grandsons, Caleb Wilson and Evan Baker. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Phoebe Joyce Coleman; children, Sherry Baker (Chris), Timothy Coleman (Debra), Danny Coleman (Kathy), and John Coleman (Kim); sister, Bonita Stephenson; fifteen grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren, along with a multitude of cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.
A visitation for family and friends will be held from 6 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Thursday, August 6, 2026 at Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 121 West Park Place, Newark, DE, where a funeral service will begin at 7 p.m. A viewing will be held in Bobby’s home state of Kentucky on Sunday, August 9, 2026 at 1 p.m. at Thacker Memorial Funeral Home, 118 S. Mayo Trail, Pikeville, KY followed by interment at the Green Coleman Family Cemetery, 1395 Lower Pompey Road, Shelbiana, KY 41502.
Brookly Higgins
Im so sorry for your loss, Alina. I only met your grandpa once, but i could tell he was deeply loved. My heart goes out to you and your family. I hope your surrounded by love and support during this difficult time. Im wishing you comfort, strength, and peace & keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers. ❤️
Sharon Coleman
I so sorry to hear about Uncle Bobby. He has always had a big heart. That he loved his family with his whole heart. He had such a gentle spirit. I know he will be missed greatly. I just want to family to know you are all my prayers. That God gives you comfort through this time. God is faithful. Love you all.
Elizabeth Brock
I sure recall him while we were little girls and he was so fun and he will be missed.
Angel McGarrity-Davis, Christina James, and James McGarrity, with Dan and Wanda Lentz
I was deeply saddened to learn of Mr. Coleman’s passing. We have carried precious memories of him, his wife, and their children since I was about twelve years old and attended Friendship Baptist Church. Their faith, kindness, and loving example made a lasting impact on my life—an impact that later extended to my children, James and Christina.
Although our family eventually moved to another state and many years have passed, we have never forgotten the influence that Mr. Coleman and his family had upon us. Some people enter our lives for a season but leave footprints upon our hearts that remain for a lifetime. Mr. Coleman was one of those special people.
We extend our heartfelt love, prayers, and deepest sympathy to his wife, children, grandchildren, and entire family. May God surround each of you with His comfort and peace, and may the beautiful life Mr. Coleman lived continue to shine through everyone he touched.
With love and gratitude,
Angel, James, Christina, and Dan, Wanda Lentz & Family
Theresa J Payne Johnson
John & Kim & family: We are so sorry to hear of Bobby’s passing. It’s hard to give up Dad but I know we’ll see ours & yours again someday at that awesome reunion in Heaven. I pray that God will wrap you & your whole family up in His arms surrounding each of you with His awesome peace, comfort, strength, courage, mercy, grace & love. Keep the faith & trust in Him & lean on Him & He will lead & guide y’all thru this incredibly difficult time & the days, weeks, months, & years to come. Our love & prayers remain with you. God bless y’all. … Kim’s cousin in Mtn. City, TN ~Theresa