The Brief
- Dr. Thomas L. Coleman, a distinguished military veteran and prolific DeKalb County public servant, passed away on Jan. 31.
- Coleman’s career spanned 25 years in the Air Force followed by high-level leadership roles in Georgia state and local government.
- His extensive contributions were honored with a presidential Lifetime Achievement Award and multiple prestigious community humanitarian recognitions.
DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. – The DeKalb County community is mourning the loss of longtime public servant, military veteran and civic leader Dr. Thomas L. Coleman, who died Jan. 31, the DeKalb County Solicitor-General’s Office announced on Wednesday.
The backstory:
Coleman, a retired United States Air Force officer and Vietnam veteran, spent more than 25 years in military service before dedicating his post-military career to public service across Georgia. He worked more than 12 years with the Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice, serving as chief deputy commissioner and deputy commissioner of the Programs, Education and Youth Development Division. He also served as chief of staff to former DeKalb County Chief Executive Officer Burrell Ellis.…