Family members, friends and town employees gathered Friday (Sept. 18) for a dedication ceremony of the West Main Pocket Park to town employee Chris Colemen, who died unexpectedly last September. The ceremony was held on the one year anniversary of Coleman’s death.
Utilities Director David Rogers said Coleman acted in a professional way and spoke of Coleman’s dedication to the town and his job.
Williamston Mayor Mack Durham said Coleman was dedicated to improving and beautifying the town and was a hard worker. Durham said Coleman “did it because he cared.”
“Chris was an employee I saw mature from day to day as he came to care for the town,” the mayor said. “It showed in his work. He had a positive impact for the town. He was a dedicated person and it showed in his work.”
Durham thanked the town employees who helped in preparing the pocket park for the dedication ceremony.
“The guys worked extra hard to make it look nice. They loved Chris,” he said.
Coleman’s wife Sandy said the work Chris loved the work he did. “The town got the best, I got the rest,” she said.
Parents Linda and Gary Coleman thanked everyone.
“Thank ya’ll for coming out and everybody who had a part in this recognition of Chris,” Gary Coleman said. “We are so thankful for all he did for the town.”
The town approved a resolution last November to dedicate the pocket park to Chris Coleman.
The resolution states that Coleman is remembered as part of the town family for his dedication to service, his giving heart, encouraging smile, unrelenting work ethic, appreciation for beauty and love for the town.
It says Coleman exemplified the best qualities of all Town employees who serve the community in their daily jobs.
It also states Town Council recognizes and greatly appreciated the daily commitment made by Coleman and all Town employees, as it is the foundation of ;providing for a high quality of life for citizens.
The resolution recognized the work of other town employees and the inspiration Coleman gave to them.
