Bentley W. "Ben" Coleman, 98, of Tampa, died on his birthday, January 5, 2016 at Marianna Health and Rehab Center.
Born in Atlanta, GA, where he later began working for the Seaboard Coastline Railroad in 1936. He served in the U S Army Air Force in World War 11. In 1946, he was stationed at MacDill Field in Tampa. He loved Florida's warm weather so much that he wanted to make Tampa his home. He continued to work for Seaboard Coastline Railroad until his retirement in 1978. After retirement, Ben volunteered with Bayshore Baptist Church, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Divine Providence Food Bank and Meals on Wheels of Tampa. He attended Bayshore Baptist Church of Tampa.
He is preceded in death by his son, Richard. He is survived by his wife of 75 years, Edith; daughters, Linda Schack and husband, William of Greenwood, FL, Sandra Powers of Cary, NC; four grandchildren; four great grandchildren; four great great grandchildren.
A memorial service and celebration of Ben's life will be 2 pm, Sunday, January 10, 2016 at James & Sikes Funeral Home Maddox Chapel with Rev. Bill Elwell officiating.
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