Donald “Rusty” Coleman Jr. was born on January 22, 1957, in Memphis, Tennessee, the son of the late Donald Deming Coleman, Sr. and Martha Sue Schaeffer Coleman. He attended Dyersburg State Community College and later earned his certification at the Tennessee Law Enforcement Training Academy in Donelson. Rusty proudly served as a police officer in Middleton, Grand Junction, and Trimble, Tennessee, and also worked as a Park Ranger. A longtime member of First Baptist Church of Counce and the Sons of the American Revolution, he was known as a true Pickwick historian who held a deep love for nature and wildlife.
He found great joy in boating and fishing, especially on long-distance river trips with his close friend Scott Edwards, a fellow nature enthusiast. Rusty’s quiet dedication to his community, his appreciation for the outdoors, and his steady presence left a lasting impression on those who knew him.
He departed this life on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, in Savannah, Tennessee, at the age of 69 years, 1 month, and 17 days.
Rusty is survived by his sister, Virginia Sue Coleman Smith (Gene); niece, Rebecca Smith Cobo (Mario); nephews, Eric Coleman Smith (Candace) and Joseph Schaeffer Smith (Julie); and great-nieces and nephews, Isaac Cobo, Sofia Cobo, Roman Cobo, Erika Cobo, Jordan Cobo, Coleman Smith, Crockett Smith, Clarabelle Smith, and Robin Smith. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, DeLayne Duke Coleman, and his grandparents, Gus Elmer Coleman, Virginia Deming Coleman, Joe Henry Schaeffer, and Mattie Sue Randolph Schaeffer.
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