Mr. Commodore Coles, Sr.

COLES, Mr. Commodore, Sr., age 88, passed away Friday, March 15, 2013 at his residence. Wake 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Thursday, March 21, 2013 at UAW Local 599, 812 Leith Street. Family hour 10:00 a.m. Friday, March 22, 2013 at Canaan Baptist Church, 910 E. Gillespie Ave., with funeral service commencing at 11:00 a.m. Rev. Charles E. Roots Pastor, Rev. Brian Coles officiating. Interment Great Lakes National Cemetery, G-4200 Belford Rd., Holly, MI. Friends and pallbearers will assemble at the Church 10:00 a.m. Friday. Mr. Coles will lie in state in the Chapel of Lawrence E. Moon Funeral Home, 906 W. Flint Park Blvd., and may be viewed from 10 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Thursday. Born in Williamsburg, West Virginia on June 2, 1924, Commodore Coles, Sr. was the eldest son of Bishop S. C. Coles and Willie Hooker Brown Coles. Having been reared as “a preacher’s kid”, Commodore was particularly active in providing the essential support vital in the development and progression of his father’s ministry within the Church of God in Christ. The Coles family migrated to Detroit, Michigan finally settling in Flint; where Commodore’s life journey began. Educated in the Flint Public Schools, this victorious athlete is fondly remembered as being a football star. At the time of his High School graduation, he was drafted into the United States Army—serving his country during World War II. Being drafted prevented him from walking with his senior class. Upon being honorably discharged he returned home to Flint, Michigan. It was not until 2001 that Commodore, a proud graduate of the Flint Northern High School class of 1942 received his diploma. Marrying the love of his life, Bernice Lucille Henderson, on June 1, 1946, the union of these high school sweethearts was blessed with five children. Mr. Coles was employed at Buick, a division of General Motors Corporation and retired after 30 years of tenure. During this time, one of his greatest passions was being a United Auto Workers’ Union Representative. His leadership role and commitment to the UAW proved to be a noteworthy accomplishment. An advocate for positive change and an usher for innovation as he paved the way for many; Commodore Coles readily taught next-generation employees of the significance of labor unions, as well as the importance of knowing history with regard to the establishment and maintenance of craft/labor unions. As a part of the Legislative Committee, some of his notable contributions to the field of labor relations included aiding younger employees with retaining job security, campaigning for local, state, and national governmental candidates, and he was instrumental in getting people registered to vote. He was also a member of Unity for Justice, a caucus within UAW Local 599. Early on, when General Motors introduced a substance abuse program, he served as an active counselor—yet, another example of Commodore’s ability to offer service, supportiveness, as well as exhibit skillful guidance. Remarkably, long before alcoholism was declared a disease, Commodore Coles counseled in various Substance Abuse Programs advocating for those challenged with this illness. From Michigan State University, he received a Merit Award for Alcohol and Drug Education Training through the School of Labor and Industrial Relations. Commodore’s willingness to serve expounded beyond General Motors. The Michigan State Democratic Party recognized him as the longest serving elected precinct delegate in the State of Michigan. As a result of his dedication and leadership, he has been recognized by several organizations at national, state and local levels. Numerous outstanding recognitions and awards include: A Key to the City of Flint, City of Flint Humanitarian Award, The Earl A. Crompton Memorial Award from the Genesee County Community Action Agency, Sheriff Joe Wilson’s Special Deputy for Special People Outstanding Service Award, Outstanding Achievement in Labor Solidarity Award presented by UAW Region 1-C; Unity For Justice Community-Labor Award, and Senior Citizen Service Award on behalf of the Philip Randolph Institute. Further, Mr. Coles was a recipient of the prestigious Walter P. Reuther Distinguished Service Award from UAW, which is the highest honor that the UAW bestows upon its members; an honoree for the State of Michigan’s Democratic Party at its Jefferson and Jackson Day Dinner; After becoming a member of the retiree group of Local 599, Commodore Coles became Vice President for several terms—continuing to demonstrate his talent for serving people. Brother Coles was a longstanding member of Canaan Baptist Church in Flint, Michigan. His dedication to the Lord, and to his family, made him a role model to all those he came in contact with. Undeniably, the life journey of Commodore Coles, Sr. has been one of service to God, church, country and community. Still, his tender-most service has been to his family in love and fulfillment. His legacy is now entrusted to his devoted wife of 67 years, Bernice L. Henderson Coles; his children: Commodore Coles, Jr. (Angelene) of Columbia, SC, Carolyn Coles Benton of Buffalo, NY, Pamela Coles of Charlotte, NC, Brian Coles of Houston, TX, and Bruce Coles of Flint, MI. Also, keepers of his memory are eight grandchildren: William Coles of Flint, MI, Michelle McNear (Marcus) of Columbia, SC, Taheera Benton of Atlanta, GA, Jacquelynn Coles of Lowell, MA, Michael Coles of Flint, MI, Clinton Byrd III (Tawana) of Fayetteville, NC, Tia Coles of Flint, MI, and Louis Benton II of Buffalo, NY; and three great grandchildren: Marcus McNear, Jr., Clinton Byrd IV, and Malachi Byrd. Additional surviving family members are sisters-in-law: Helen Coles of Detroit, MI and Rose Coles Jones; and one brother-in-law, Clarence Henderson both of Flint, MI, and a host of other nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives and friends. Commodore Coles, Sr. was the last surviving family member of Bishop S. C. Coles’ immediate family. He was preceded in death by his parents, Bishop S. C. Coles and Willie Hooker Brown Coles; brothers: Isadore Coles and Sylvester “Bug” Coles Jr.; granddaughter, Charlotte L. Byrd; and son-in-law, Louis C. Benton. And now, may God’s grace and peace be with you; and, may He forever bless you as He has blessed us with unconditional love and the heart’s memory of our beloved, Commodore Coles, Sr.

Mr. Commodore Coles, Sr.

June 2, 1924 - March 15, 2013