Mr. Ronald James Coleman

Ronald James Coleman transitioned from earthly life to spend eternity with the Lord on February 27, 2024. Ronald was born on September 4, 1942 in Detroit, Michigan to the union of City Coleman and Addie Neal. He was the oldest of three children, Lawrence and Richard. Those who preceded him in death were his parents, brother Richard and Linda Arnold. Ronald received Christ at an early age and was a life long Catholic. Ronald was educated in the Detroit Public School system. He graduated from U of D Jesuit High School in 1960. Then he attended Central State University for two years. He then enlisted in the United States Air Force and served a total of eight years. While in the Air Force he met and married Lucile Key on September 19, 1965. To that union two children were born, Kevin and Nikki. Later in life, he remarried Linda Arnold, to that union one son was born, Brandon. After leaving the Air Force, he returned home to Detroit where he completed his bachelors degree in Accounting from Wayne State University. He became a certified public accountant and continued his education receiving his masters degree in Business Administration from Walsh College. After Walsh, he spent time working for Arthur Anderson Accounting Firm and also as Chief Accounting Officer for the City of Detroit. Ronald was one of the founders of one of the first black CPA firms in Detroit - Barrow, Coleman and Aldridge. He also worked at Burroughs, Unisys, Citibank and Nonprofit Focus Hope. He then relocated to Washington, D.C. working as chief financial officer for a hospital. After 10 years, he returned home to Detroit to retire. Although he retired, he continued to stay busy. He did his clients taxes during tax season. Other things he enjoyed doing included landscaping, gardening, home improvement on a small scale, running marathons, traveling, sailing on his boat, fishing, reading and listening to smooth jazz. Most importantly, he loved helping people. This included going to food pantries, and distributing food throughout the local community. To our family and friends, he was often mistaken Lionel Richie, but he was always our Lionel Richie. Ronald will always be loved and cherished by his brother Lawrence (Jacquelyn); his children Kevin, Nikki and Brandon; adopted daughter Lauren Sweet (Lonnie); two grandchildren Corinne and Lonnie III; Lucile Key Coleman; special cousin Gail Conley; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Mr. Ronald James Coleman

September 4, 1942 - February 27, 2024