Nathan Mefford "Ford" Coleman

Life's journey ended for Nathan "Ford" Coleman, 94, of Asheboro, NC, on May 16, 2015 following an extended illness. A service will be conducted on Wednesday, May 20, at 3 p.m. at the Pugh Funeral Home Chapel, preceded by a reception of friends from one p.m. until fifteen minutes prior to the service. Reverend Barry Queen, assisted by Dr. Terry Matthews and Fred Hufstetler, will be officiating. Born in Victor, West Virginia, in the heart of coal country, on July 26, 1920, he was the son of the late "Nate" and Viola Coleman. He was a graduate of Ansted High School and then the Bowling Green University Business School in Bowling Green, Kentucky where he met his future wife. He served his country in the Merchant Marine branch of the United States Coast Guard during World War II, and saw a great deal of the world as a result. Later, he attained the rank of 1st Lieutenant in the Randolph County Composite Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol. He was instrumental in the formation of the Ash-Rand Rescue program and was its first president. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by brother Emmett of New Orleans, and sister Ernestine of West Virginia. Surviving are his wife of 73 years, Mary Frances McDowell Coleman, daughter and caregiver Maria Gayle Coleman, son Gary Ford (Marcy) of Ocean Isle Beach, NC, granddaughter, Jolie Rich Amick, great-granddaughter Haven and great-grandson Brody. Siblings are sister Emily of Omaha, Nebraska, and brothers Chuck (Jean) and John (Betty) of Lompoc, California and many nieces and nephews around the country. Ford was a loyal member of Central United Methodist Church, where he had been on the board of ushers and was a devoted part of the Lloyd's Bible Class. He retired as a purchasing agent from General Electric Company, having given over 29 years of service to the company. He had previously spent several years as a trooper with the North Carolina Highway Patrol. He helped to instigate the Christmas Cheer program many decades ago, and was chairman of the Randolph County Deputy Reserve program under Sheriff Wayne Wilson. He was a member of Asheboro Masonic Lodge 699, a 32nd degree Scottish Rite Mason, and an Oasis Shriner. He was a past Exalted Ruler of the B.P.O.E (Elks), where he carried a life membership, as well as in the Randolph Shrine Club. He was also a member of the American Legion, and he spent over 40 years as a Lion, receiving the Lion of the Year award of which he was especially proud. He loved fishing, both salt and freshwater, a hobby he enjoyed until he became ill, spending countless hours at his special place a few miles west of town. An avid woodworker, he filled the shelves of his home with beautiful treasures. Ford Coleman will be remembered by many for his performances of poetry that he had memorized, including "Thanatopsis" by William Cullen Bryant. For many years he provided entertainment for church groups, social, civic and fraternal organizations in Randolph, Guilford and Rockingham Counties. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that any donations in his name be made to the Shriner's Hospital for Crippled Children, c/o Oasis Temple, P.O. Box 560666, Charlotte, NC 28256-0666 or to Central United Methodist Church, 300 South Main Street, Asheboro, NC 27203. Condolences may be made online at pughfuneralhome.com