Christopher Chappel Coleman

Christopher Chappel Coleman, 62, passed this life on April 4, 2020. He was born September 3, 1957 to Wilby Compton Coleman and Gretchen Eberhardt Coleman, in Valdosta, GA. He leaves behind his wife Joni Coleman and three children, Christopher Coleman, Olivia (Kenyon) White, Sarah (Brandon) Spivey, and three grandchildren. Also, he leaves his father Wilby Coleman and three siblings, Compton (Glynnis) Coleman, Justin (Rosemary) Coleman, and Sallyann (Ray) Coleman King. He is preceded in death by his birth mother Gretchen Coleman, his step-mother, Gloria Mederer Coleman, and his sister, Miss Wilby Coleman.
Chris lived his entire life in Valdosta, graduating from Lowndes High School in 1977 where he developed his love for music performance, was identified as a Senior Superlative by faculty, and was nominated for & attended the Governors Honors Program in music. He briefly attended Valdosta State College, before embarking on a lifetime of making music and making friends through music. Chris was an accomplished singer, song writer, guitar player, and entertainer. He was never more in his element than when on stage playing for and bantering with an admiring crowd. He was gregarious and could always be found with at least a few of "his two thousand best friends". He set out, shortly after high school, playing music on the road as a principle member of the Back Street Society band, with beloved friends Brian Ward and Glenn Cowart. The band traveled the United States playing a wide variety of venues, gaining a following of admirers, fans, and making new friends in the process. Chris, ready to settle and put down roots, returned to Valdosta where he married Elizabeth Denton to begin the next phase of his life by starting a family, and a business. He and Elizabeth created and opened The Mill House (bar & restaurant) in Remerton, which enjoyed big success and popularity. In the 1980s, the Mill House was more than just a bar, becoming more of a destination for throngs of regulars, but more importantly a reunion venue for a large segment of two generations of young Valdostans.
Due to parameters set by the current pandemic, a remembrance and celebration of his life will be scheduled and announced at a later time when it is appropriate and safe to do so. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Alzheimer's Foundation of America, www.alzfdn.org, in order to someday find a cure for a disease which deprived us all of a brother, son, spouse, father, and friend.
Condolences to the family may be conveyed online at www.mclanecares.com. Carson McLane.