Charles Lee Coleman, Sr. (October 7,1949 – January 10, 2026)

Visitation: Saturday, January 24, 2026
Visitation Time: 9:00 – 11:00 AM
Visitation Location: St. Stephen AME Church
302 Church Street
Leesburg, Florida

Service Date: Saturday, January 24, 2026
Service Time: 11:00 AM
Service Location: St. Stephen AME Church
302 Church Street
Leesburg, Florida

Obituary:

Charles Lee Coleman, Sr., 76, of Leesburg, departed this life on Saturday, January 10, 2026. Charles Lee Coleman was born on October 7,1949 in Princeton, New Jersey to Johnny and Sarah (Mills) Coleman. He was the oldest of four children. Johnny and Sarah later moved to Leesburg, Florida in the early 1950s. From an early age, Charles’ life was authored by the principles of faith, purpose, and service. He joined the Baker Street Church of God in Christ under the leadership of his grandfather, the late Elder Henry Walker Mills where he served in many capacities of the church.

Following his 1967 graduation from Carver Heights High School in Leesburg, FL., he entered the 1967 freshmen class at Bethune-Cookman College in Daytona Beach, FL where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration. While at Bethune-Cookman College, Charles was an active member of the Marching Men of Cookman and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. Charles has always been a die-hard Wildcat.

After graduating from Bethune-Cookman in the Spring of 1971, Charles became a store manager for W.T. Grant in Daytona Beach, FL. In 1974, he relocated to Charleston, SC where he became store manager of JCPenney’s. After missing Florida, in the early 1980s, Charles decided to move to Tampa, later Melbourne, and back to Orlando as an insurance agent for Prudential and Mutual of Omaha.

After spending years in the insurance industry, Charles decided to try something different. Thus, he went into the car sales industry. He was a “magnificent” manager, as a high-performing leader, who went beyond just hitting targets; he inspired, elevated, and drove consistent, long-term success through active involvement, mentorship, and strategic thinking. Charles acted as the bridge between corporate goals and team execution.

Charles had such an innovative spirit. He was a visionary known for his innovative ideas, determination and unwavering commitment to excellence. He was a “master of persuasion.” He had the ability to connect with his clients, build lasting relationships, and turn prospects into friends. He was a master negotiator, who could close any deal. It was once said that he could sell ice to an Eskimo and more importantly, they would thank him for it.

Charles was one who was always willing to learn from others. After working alongside and learning from Mr. Tom Walsh, who owned a Kirby business. In the mid-1990s, Charles decided to open his own Kirby distribution center in Apopka, FL which was named Coleman & Associates. He provided jobs for family and friends. In the early 2000s, He opened C&A Distributors Water Systems.in Winter Garden, FL.

Charles later joined the Kingdom Purpose Ministries under the leadership of Pastor Wendell Anderson, where he served in the Men’s Ministry.

With strong work ethics instilled in Charles at an early age by his parents, he continued to work until his laboring was finished. Though Charles may have departed this life, he also instilled in his children the value of hard work, leaving a legacy that lives on in every life he touched.

He is survived by his five children: Anita Rivers (David), White Springs, FL; Charles Coleman Jr. (B. Lanette), Charlotte, NC; Christopher (Danita), Orlando, FL; Charles Borowsky, Jersey City, NJ; Natalie Borowsky, Atlanta, GA., Sisters: Joyce C. Mincey (Jimmy) Orlando, FL; Rosquelyn Woods (Ronald), Port St. Lucie, FL, Brother: Darrell Coleman (April), Leesburg, FL, Aunts: Rosa L. Mills, Stanhope, NJ; Betty M. Thomas (Johnnie) Jonesboro, GA; Mae Mills, Ocoee, FL. He leaves 10 grandchildren, two great-grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and sorrowing friends.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, January 24, 2026 from 9AM until services begin at 11:00 AM, St. Stephen AME Church, 302 Church Street, Leesburg with P.E. Henry L. Postell II, officiating. Interment: Hillcrest Memorial Gardens, Leesburg.