ZEBULON - Thomas Allen “Tommy” Coleman, 53, died suddenly on Monday, Dec. 12, 2011 at Wake Med.  A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 17, at L. Harold Poole Funeral Service Chapel, 944 Old Knight Road, Knightdale, with military honors.

He was born in Richmond County to the late Thomas Jefferson Coleman and Beatrice Hicks Coleman. He served in the U.S. Coast Guard Reserves and Army Reserves. He retired from the Wake County Sheriff’s Department after more than 30 years of service.

Surviving: wife, Patricia “Patsy” Britton Coleman; daughter, Amelia Faith Coleman; son, Patrick Allen Coleman, both of the home; brother, David Smith of Washington State.

The family will visit with relatives and friends immediately following the service from 2:30 to 4 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Education Fund for Amelia and Patrick Coleman. Checks may be made to Patricia Coleman-Special Fund, c/o State Employees Credit Union, Attention: Jamie, P. O. Box 610, Rolesville, NC 27571.

Condolences to the family may be made at www.poolefuneral.com under obituaries.