William Coman, Jr.

William Matthew "Bill" Coman, Jr. age 81, passed away on Tuesday, April 5, 2011 at his home. A native and lifelong resident of Haywood County, he was the son of the late William Matthew Coman, Sr. and Alta Bell Moore Coman. He was also preceded in death by a brother, Sam Coman. Bill loved his country and spent his life in service to his fellowmen. He served in the Army and was a veteran of the Korean War. He followed active duty by serving for 42 years in the 211th Military Police Unit of the National Guard Reserves. His passion in life was the Canton Fire Department and the Haywood County Rescue Squad where he was a founding member and served for 50 years. In 2000, he received recognition as the longest serving first responder in the United States. Following retirement from Champion International, he enjoyed traveling throughout the US, but particularly his summers in his camper and fishing on Lake Chatuge. He was a member of Canton Free Will Baptist Church. He is survived by his wife of 29 years, Beatrice Coman Leatherwood; two daughters, Vickie Faggart of Hampton, GA and Penny Penland and husband, Charles, of Hayesville; a brother, David Coman; seven grandchildren, Terry Brown, Matthew and Mark Raxter, Laurie Shook, Amy Trout, and Will and Jill Penland; nine great-grandchildren; and a niece, Marcy Coman Scott. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, April 8, 2011, at the Canton Chapel of Wells Funeral Home with the Reverend Jeremy Cagle and Reverend Jacob Kyker officiating. The family will receive friends from 12:30 until 1:45 p.m. prior to the service at the funeral home. Serving as pallbearers will be members of the Haywood County Rescue Squad and the Canton Fire Department. Memorials may be made to the Haywood County Rescue Squad, P. O. Box 1275, Canton, NC 28716.

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