Paul Randolph Coleman, Jr., born to Paul Randolph Coleman, Sr., and Dorothy Elizabeth Coleman on June 25, 1958, entered eternal rest on July 4, 2026, at the University of Virginia Medical Center in Charlottesville, Virginia.  Paul was affectionately known as "PC "to all family and friends.  He was a beloved father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend to all.

At an early age, he gave his life to Christ and was baptized as a young man at Bethlehem Baptist Church in Spotsylvania, under the late Reverend Doctor Samuel Carter.  He sang in the Bethlehem Baptist Choir Junior Choir and the Gospel Harmonette.

PC spent many Saturday mornings helping his father with the family cleaning business by waxing and cleaning floors, as well as cutting grass. During farming season, he eagerly worked alongside his father, helping sow and harvest crops such as corn, butterbeans, string beans, and cabbage. He also assisted with canning the harvested vegetables. No matter what needed to be done, PC was always by his father's side, ready and willing to lend a hand wherever he was needed.

PC grew up in Spotsylvania, Virginia, and graduated from Spotsylvania High School in June 1977.  He was outstanding and an overachiever while playing on the Spotsylvania Knights Jr. and Varsity football teams.  PC dominated at defensive end.  After graduation, he matriculated to Virginia State University in Petersburg, Virginia, for one year before deciding to enlist in the United States Army in 1978.

PC had an exemplary military career, beginning with his first duty assignment at Fort Gordon, Georgia, where he trained in Signal Communications. His responsibilities included supporting military communications and the secure transmission of information. As communications technology evolved, he expanded his expertise to C4I (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, and Intelligence), where he developed proficiency in using advanced automated computer systems to transmit and receive large volumes of critical operational data.

• • After completing his assignment at Fort Gordon, Georgia, PC received a permanent change of station to Casey, South Korea, where he served for one year, continuing to support critical communications operations and further developing his technical and leadership skills.
  • Upon returning to the United States, PC was assigned to Fort Hood, Texas, where he served in the position of Unit Leader with increased responsibility, providing communications support and contributing to mission readiness.
  • In 1983, PC was selected to return to Fort Sill, Oklahoma, to train as a Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) Supervisor. Following extensive training on the MLRS, he was promoted to the rank of Sergeant in recognition of his technical expertise and leadership.
  • In 1984, PC received another permanent change of station to Hohenfels, Germany, where he served within one of the U.S. Army's largest overseas military networks, supporting communications operations and mission readiness throughout the region.
  • In 1988, PC returned to Fort Sill, Oklahoma, where he continued to serve in leadership positions, mentoring soldiers and enhancing operational capabilities.
  • From December 1990 to July 1991, PC was assigned to Heidelberg, Germany, near Frankfurt. Shortly after his arrival, he deployed in support of Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm in Kuwait and Iraq, where he served with distinction and honor during combat operations.
  • Following his deployment, PC returned to Heidelberg, Germany, in July 1991 to continue his overseas assignment.
  • In November 1991, PC received another duty station change to Baumholder, Germany, where he continued to serve in leadership positions while supporting the Army's mission in Europe.
  • From January 1998 to January 1999, PC completed his final permanent change of station to Fort Sill, Oklahoma. He retired from the United States Army after 20 years, 5 months, and 30 days of honorable and distinguished service.
  • Throughout his military career, PC earned numerous awards and decorations, including two Meritorious Service Medals, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, two Kuwait Liberation Medal, Southwest Asia Service Medal and one Bronze Star Medal for his service during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm of his outstanding leadership, dedication, and exemplary service.

Four months after retiring from the United States Army, PC began a second career with the Virginia Department of Corrections on April 5, 1999, as a Correctional Officer. Through his dedication, leadership, and strong work ethic, he was promoted to Sergeant and later to Supervisory Parole Officer Lead. Throughout his career, he was committed to mentoring offenders and supporting rehabilitation efforts that helped prepare them to become productive members of society upon their release. In July 2023, he retired from the Virginia Department of Corrections after more than 24 years of distinguished public service.

Throughout both of his careers, PC exemplified dedication, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. He was respected for his leadership, approachable nature, and ability to connect with people from all walks of life. Once he set his mind to a goal, he pursued it with determination and integrity.

Outside of his professional life, PC was a devoted Washington Commanders (Redskins) football fan who rarely missed a Sunday game. He also enjoyed gathering with family and friends to savor Maryland blue crabs and grill on the deck of his home, creating lasting memories with those he loved.

PC was preceded in death by his father, Paul Randolph Coleman, Sr., and his brother, Gerald Rodney Coleman.

Left to cherish his precious memory are his beloved children, Paula Coleman-Cunningham (Marqavious), William Coleman, and Malik Coleman; his stepdaughter, Natalie Williams; his grandchildren, Marqavious Cunningham, Jr., Jeremiah Cunningham, Riquaya Hall, Jaylen Hall and Demetrious Morgan, Jr. (DJ); his devoted mother, Dorothy E. Marshall; his sisters, Audrey Garnett (Rev. Charles Garnett), Dr. Darlene Cook, and Marlene Bailey (Richard); his uncle, Retired U.S. Air Force Addison Coleman (Gloria); his aunts, Lucille Jackson, Vernell Jackson, as well as a host of beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and dear friends.  He also leaves behind his special and devoted friend, Melaine Taylor of Richmond, Virginia, who will forever cherish his memory.

A viewing and visitation will be held at A.L. Bennett and Son Funeral Home, 200 Butternut Drive, Fredericksburg, VA, 22408, on Friday, July 24, 2026, at 9:00 AM followed by a Celebration of Life at 10:00 AM. The interment will follow at Quantico National Cemetery, 18424 Joplin Road, Triangle, VA 22172, at 1:00 PM.