[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 164 (Wednesday, December 19, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1962-E1963]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             HONORING THE HONORABLE WILLIAM C. COLEMAN, JR.

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JOHN L. MICA

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 18, 2012

  Mr. MICA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a great 
American patriot, an accomplished state and national leader and a 
wonderful personal mentor and friend, William C. Coleman, Jr. passed 
away on December 13, 2012. With the passing of Bill Coleman, the 
Central Florida community and our country has lost one of the 
outstanding figures of our time.
  Born in Tennessee, Bill was first introduced to Central Florida when 
he would frequently visit his grandparents who lived in Lancaster Park. 
Hours after graduating High School, Bill enlisted in the United States 
Army.
  During World War II, as an Army Paratrooper with the 101st Airborne 
Division, he landed in France in June of 1944 during the Normandy 
Invasion behind enemy lines. After his capture and survival as a 
Prisoner of War, he returned to civilian life. He is the recipient of 
the Purple Heart, Bronze Star and POW medal. His passion to aid those 
who served in our nations military never faltered. Bill would make two 
more jumps into Normandy; one in 1994 and another in 2004 to mark the 
50th and 60th Anniversary of D-Day.
  Bill enjoyed a successful real estate career and also taught the 
subject to many at Rollins College as well as launching what has been 
decades of community service. He was an active member and leader in 
numerous organizations including the University Club and Republican 
Party of Florida. In Central Florida, he was a Charter Member of the 
Tiger Bay Club, a founding Member of the Central Orlando Kiwanis Club 
and President of the Central Florida Veterans Council. In addition, 
Bill served as Chairman of the Orange County and Orlando Mayor's 
Advisory Council as well as serving as the Central Florida Veterans 
Memorial Park Foundation's first President. Countless community 
organizations and events were successful because of his tireless work 
and support.
  Bill Coleman was elected to the Florida State House of 
Representatives in 1955 and later served as Florida's first Secretary 
of Transportation. At the national level, he was selected by President 
George W. Bush to serve as United States Commissioner of Public 
Buildings.
  Bill Coleman's tireless efforts to aid American Veterans were 
instrumental in securing a new VA Hospital and extensive medical 
complex in Central Florida scheduled to open next year.
  To honor the service and memory of our veterans and military, Bill 
also helped to lead and support memorial projects to commemorate and 
recognize their contributions to keeping America free.
  While Bill's family has lost a loved one, I have lost a wonderful 
friend and mentor. From my very first days in Central Florida 40 years 
ago, Bill Coleman never stopped assisting or inspiring me. He, more 
than anyone in the community, helped me be part of numerous civic 
endeavors, veterans' programs and Republican Party and leadership 
positions. For this special guidance, assistance and friendship I will 
forever be grateful.
  As we honor and recognize Bill Coleman's many life achievements, our 
sympathy is extended to his wife, Toni, and family. Bill's passion for 
our veterans was only exceeded by his love of his wonderful wife and 
children. They include his sons Kevin and Billy and his daughter Kim as 
well as eleven grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

[[Page E1963]]

  In closing, my colleagues, I ask you to join me in both paying 
tribute and recognizing the life and service of William C. Coleman, Jr.

                          ____________________