Larry Edward Coleman's Obituary
Lawrence “Larry” Edward Coleman, beloved Father, Grandfather, Friend and Mentor, passed away Thursday, August 3, 2023. Larry, a native Memphian, was born July 11, 1938. He attended Catholic High School in Memphis and went on to complete two years of Engineering at Christian Brothers University. In 1961, just months after meeting, Larry married the love of his life, Anne. That same year, in partnership with his brother-in-law Bill Taylor, Larry founded Coleman Taylor Transmission Company.
A mechanical mastermind and honest businessman, Larry built Coleman Taylor into the respected business it is today, currently operating 11 service centers across 3 states and providing work to over 100 people. Larry’s son Nick, who joined the business in 1983, took over operations of the company in 2018 and leads Coleman Taylor today, proudly carrying forward the legacy of his father. The bond they shared as Father-Son and business partners was undoubtedly a special one for them both.
In 1965, Larry’s talents led him into the racing community with him being selected for factory sponsorship by Chrysler and then by the Ford Factory Team in 1967. The Coleman Taylor Mustang set an NHRA record in 1967 at 173 MPH and cracked the 200 MPH mark at NHRA RECORD RUNS in 1969 with the Ford Torino. Larry and his Ford Torino, which debuted in 1966, were honored in 2016 as part of a special 50th Anniversary celebration at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Larry’s passion for motorsports paled in comparison to his love for his wife of 54 years, Anne, and their three children - Tammy, Nick and Marty. He loved spending time at their home at Pickwick and taking family vacations to Hawaii, the Bahamas, Disney World and many more destinations. Larry enjoyed fishing with his sons Nick and Marty, riding ATVs with friends, and bowling at the Imperial Lanes on Monday nights. Later in life, he cherished time with his grandchildren and eventually great grandchildren.
Another priority for Larry was investing heavily in relationships with friends and those he mentored. He was a kind, patient and generous man with both his time and his resources. For over 60 years, Larry spent every Saturday morning in the garage with his close friends, ending their time each week with his regular weekly order of Garibaldi’s Pizza. He believed in building character in men, raising leaders in the community, and passing on his life lessons in whatever way he could.
Larry was preceded in death by his wife Anne Coleman, son Marty Coleman, and grandson Bryce Robinson. He is survived by his daughter Tammy Coleman Bagget (Glenn), son Nick Coleman (Billie), grandchildren Hailey Etter (James), Austin Milligan, Kelsey Byrn (Aaron), Kyler Coleman, Courtney Coleman, four great grandchildren, and the entire Coleman Taylor family.
Family will receive friends and family from 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. with services beginning at 1:00 p.m. on Friday August 11, 2023 at Memorial Park Funeral Home, 5668 Poplar Ave, Memphis, Tennessee 38119. Interment to follow at Memorial Park Cemetery.
To view services online, Click on link below.
http://webcast.funeralvue.com/events/viewer/91324/hash:912EE1F6209F2413
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