Extracted from The Florida-Times Union (Jacksonville, FL)
Wednesday, December 9, 2009

Runyon Paxton Coleman

Runyon Paxton Coleman, C.L.U., 91, passed away on December 5, 2009.

He was born January 31, 1918 in Birmingham, AL and moved to Jacksonville in 1969. Mr. Coleman was a graduate of Birmingham Southern College where he was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. He joined the Army Air Corps Aviation Cadet Training Program and in 1941 became a pilot and 2nd Lieutenant assigned to the Officer Reserve Corps as a twin-engine advanced training pilot instructor. Shortly after Pearl Harbor, he was called to active duty. While stationed in England, he flew 36 low-level night missions (including one landing) parachuting agents, equipment and money to various underground units on the continent. Attaining the rank of Major and receiving thirteen decorations and awards, his last duty was at Headquarters in the Pentagon. In 1947, as an agent for New York Life Insurance Co., he began a 30-year career to include 15 years as General Manager in Macon, GA. Here he was a charter member and active in the Riverside Methodist Church and various civic affairs. Retiring in 1977, he enjoyed his family, orchids, yard and golf.

Married June 27, 1942, he is survived by his wife, Doris; daughter, Virginia Jacob; grandchildren, Leon Armbrester, Jr. (Dawn) and Victoria Parks (Kenneth); great granddaughters, Jenna Armbrester and Sophia Parks and great grandson, Paxton Parks.

A graveside service will be held 11:30 AM Saturday, December 12, 2009 at Oaklawn Cemetery.

Arrangements by Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home, 4115 Hendricks Avenue. Please Sign the Guestbook @ Jacksonville.com