Herbert Lee Coleman, Sr., affectionately known as "Herb", "Uncle Herbert Lee" and "Papa", was born May 27, 1945 in Monticello, Florida to Rouse and Willie Mae Coleman. His parents preceded him in death along with his son, Anthony Coleman; sisters and brothers, Lullah Lizza Coleman, Annie Mae Bellamy, Rouse Coleman, Jr., Martha Jane Coleman, Willie C. Coleman and Willie Eugene Coleman.

Soon after his birth, the family relocated to Penny Farms, Florida where Herb grew up, attended and graduated from Dunbar High School in Green Cove Springs, Florida. After graduating from high school, Herb was drafted into the Army branch of the United States Armed Forces. While serving his country, he was deployed to Vietnam where he served 18 months as a medic before returning home. Upon his return, he continued his service until he received his Honorable Discharge in 1973 as an E5.

Herb moved to St. Petersburg, Florida in 1975 to pursue employment. He was successful in obtaining a position at St. Anthony's Hospital where he was employed as a CNA for several years. Herb attended Pinellas Technical Center to study carpentry and upholstery. He later started a successful construction remodeling business where he serviced clients throughout the city of St. Petersburg and the Tampa Bay area.

When Herb first moved to St. Petersburg, Florida, he attended Mt. Zion Progressive Church where he met the love of his life, Shirley Ann McKeever. He knew early on she was the one and they married in 1976. Together they enjoyed a blended family of four sons and one stepdaughter. He was active in his neighborhood where he worked with Neighborhood Crime Watch and Childs Park Civic Association. He had a love for people and cooking and often hosted family and friends for backyard cookouts. Likewise, as the pillar of the Coleman-Bailey Family Reunion, Herb carried the mantle where he was highly respected and revered for his frank, yet caring way. Due to health reasons, he passed on the reunion mantle in 2018.
Herbert Lee Coleman, Sr. entered eternal rest on November 9, 2019. He leaves to celebrate his life and rejoice in his Heavenly transition, his wife of 43 years: Shirley McKeever Coleman; three sons: Herbert Lee (Angela) Coleman, Jr., Jacksonville, FL, Paul Germaine Coleman, New Port Richey, FL and Darryl Jackson Coleman of St. Petersburg, FL; one stepdaughter: Linda Faye Jackson of St. Petersburg, FL; brothers and sisters: Alberta Nixon, Altamonte Springs, FL, Alease Tisdale, Clermont, FL, Charlie (Jackie) Coleman, Pinkie Huggins and Viola Detwyler, all of Green Cove Springs, FL, Reverend James (Laverne) Mack, Monticello, FL, Richard (Pam) Coleman, St. Petersburg, FL, Henry (Shirley) Coleman and Mary Jane Coleman, both of Green Cove Springs, FL; 11 grandchildren; and a host of great-grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, as well as many, many other relatives and friends.