Coleman Terrell Lewis

Coleman Terrell Lewis, 41, died of unnatural causes on May 31, 2014. Born at Emory Hospital on April 3, 1973, Coleman was a witness to and participant in much that occurred in his hometown during his life. Foremost among these was his involvement in Atlanta's music scene including Smoke, the Cabbagetown band fronted by Coleman's dear friend Benjamin, subject of Jem Cohen and Peter Sillen's 2000 documentary Benjamin Smoke.
I can't imagine not playing guitar, because I certainly was never really good at school. So I'd probably be in some kind of institution, or some kind of cult, he said in one voiceover, tongue only slightly in cheek. Music and rock culture were the main focus of his energies beginning in adolescence and continuing long after Benjamin's death in 1999. Other bands Coleman played with include Cat Power, Grand Fury, Ignitor Fool, and Lick Lock Alarm Clock. He had recently begun playing and writing songs again after a dry spell.
Like many creatives, Coleman worked day jobs in food service and construction. He was an excellent cook as well as musician, and loved to work with his body and hands. He was not inclined to office work and like many manual laborers struggled to stay afloat in the 21st century economy. Still, he remained a witty, deeply-feeling original who engaged a wide circle of friends and admirers with his rascally, occasionally heartbreaking style. He fed people in many ways, and his creations will survive for years.
Less often evidenced to his musical admirers was his family life. Coleman is survived by a beloved son, Dury (10), the true apple of Coleman's eye and immense heart. Survivors also include his parents, Martha and Luther Lewis; sisters, Beth Lewis and Claire Lewis Evans; brother-in-law William Evans; former wife Angela Atkinson; plus a huge circle of aunts, uncles, cousins, loves, musicians, and friends, all of whom mourn his passing, celebrate his gifts, and hold him dear in their hearts.
Coleman's remains will be cremated and a visitation will be held at A.S. Turner and Sons Funeral Home on Wednesday, June 4, from 6-8. A memorial service will be held on July 12. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Dury Lewis Scholarship Fund at 117 Patillo Way, Decatur, GA 30030.


Funeral Home:
A.S. Turner
2773 N. Decatur Road
Decatur, GA
30033