William Osce Coleman Jr.

On June 27, 2021, Heaven welcomed Cowboy, Civic Leader, Oklahoma Sooner, Skier, Naval Navigator, Golfer, Animal Whisperer, Black Label Scotch Afficionado, Father, and Friend, William (Bill) O. Coleman to its most interesting host of angels. Bill made this world a better place for 92 years since his birth on April 6, 1929.

To those who experienced Bill Coleman, you know that he said few words, but shared infinite wisdom; he traveled the world, yet could make any stranger feel at home; he could craft an entire response with no words and one raised eyebrow; his innocent face was the perfect mask for his mischievous eyes; and though his presence was understated, his laughter could fill a room. Bill had an amazing life and his love for his flock was only rivaled by those that had the opportunity to know and love him.

Bill's humble beginnings in Greenwood, S.C. were apparent in his respect for hard work and education, honor of family and friends, and tireless giving spirit to his community - traits that remained consistent themes throughout his life. Bill earned his BBA degree in 1951 from the University of Oklahoma. Through his ROTC scholarship he entered the U.S. Navy as a Commissioned Officer, serving in the Korean War for three years. Bill subsequently joined Procter and Gamble (P&G) in 1955 as a Sales Representative in Lubbock, TX, before moving to Cincinnati in 1965 as the manager of the Atlantic Division, Sales. In 1970, he was appointed General Sales Manager and joined the Administrative Committee. Subsequently, he served as VP of Food Products, VP of Latin America, and VP of Special Projects. Bill's final P&G role was as a Trustee of P&G's Retirement Plans and Profit Sharing, as well as the Employee Stock Ownership Committee. After retirement from P&G, he served as the Volunteer Head of the Greater Cincinnati Foundation.

The Cincinnati community equally benefitted from Bill's tirelessly generous spirit. Bill served as the General Campaign Chairman of United Way of Cincinnati, Chairman of the Dan Beard Council of the Boy Scouts of America (Silver Beaver recipient), Vice Chairman University of Cincinnati Foundation, Chairman of the Trustees of the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Cincinnati, Vice Chairman of the Ohio Foundation of Independent Colleges, Chairman of the University of Cincinnati Annual Business Campaign, board member of the Greater Cincinnati American Red Cross, member of the Northern Kentucky University Foundation, board member for Living Arrangements for the Developmentally Disabled (LADD). Additionally, Bill served as an independent director of the Touchstone Family of Mutual Funds, a director of LCA-Vision, and a director of Millennium Bank in Edwards, CO.

Bill never met a stranger and was a master of random acts of kindness that brought smiles to all. He also enjoyed myriad long-lasting relationships through his affiliations with The Commonwealth Club, Camargo Club, Cincinnati Country Club, Queen City Club, The Club at Cordillera, Ocean Reef Club, Card Sound Golf Club, Rookwood Historical and Philosophical Club.

Touching so many lives, Bill leaves those who knew him best, loved him most, and enjoyed the greatest privilege of laughing with him. Bill is survived by his greatest fan, supporter, confidant, his wife Elizabeth (Liz) Naftzger Coleman; he is also survived by his sons John (Karen), Carlton, and Robert, as well as his dear sister Camilla Powers. Bill leaves behind his love, advice, disdain for costume parties, and embellished stories to his grandchildren, Will Coleman and Allison Coleman Owen (Michael), and Liam Coleman. He also leaves his adoring stepchildren Julie Crawford (Jim), Greg Gibson (Mimi), Tom Gibson (Ann), John Gibson (Pam), and Jeff Gibson (Ann), as well as Liz's 11 grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. Bill is preceded in death by his first wife of 41 years, Mildred (Tookie) Wade Coleman, and son William Coleman.

The family will hold a memorial celebration of Bill's life on July 16 at 1:45 pm at Indian Hill Church, 6000 Drake Road. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to The Boys and Girls Club of Greater Cincinnati, 600 Dalton Street, Cincinnati OH 45203-1214 (https://bgcgc.org/), or the charity of your choice.