SAMUEL COLEMAN REGISTER

In Loving Memory of Samuel Coleman Register, age 91

Coleman, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend, passed away on October 31, 2026. Born on March 23, 1935, in Vernon, Florida, he was the cherished son of Lehman McKinney Register and Lenore Muriel Reno Register. Known for his unwavering dedication to family and community, Coleman leaves behind a legacy of love, hard work, and commitment.

Coleman is preceded in death by his parents Lehman and Muriel Register, his brother Joseph Nevil Register (known as JN), and his first wife, Mary Nell Register, with whom he shared 53 beautiful years of marriage. Together, they built a life filled with joy, raising their sons Dennis (Sally) and Scott (Kimberly) Register. Coleman is survived by his loving wife of 17 years, Diann Register, who shared with him a wonderful second chapter of life filled with love, companionship and travel.

His pride and joy were not only his two sons, but also his grandchildren: Jennifer Register Pendleton, Franklin Register (Tasha), Brad Register, Lauren Register Schultz (JR), and Ethan Register, as well as his great-grandchildren: Katlin Pendleton, Kaylee Pendleton, Colton Glover, Mackenzie Register, Kelsey Register, Cole Register, Tatum Schultz, and Beckham Schultz. Coleman’s family was the cornerstone of his existence, and he took immense pride in their accomplishments and happiness.

A graduate of Vernon High School in 1955, Coleman was a passionate athlete, playing high school sports, coaching city league baseball and playing men's softball. His early career took him and his family across the southern United States, working with Brown & Root Construction on notable projects, including bridges over Mobile and Pensacola Bays and Lake Pontchartrain. In the early 1970s, he moved back to Vernon and worked alongside his brother JN at Surplus & Salvage Sales of Dothan, AL.  Coleman ventured into business for himself, establishing Surplus & Salvage of Chipley in 1978, when he, his wife Mary and son Denny opened the business.  It is a successful family enterprise that continues to thrive under the management of his sons and grandsons today.

Coleman was a devoted supporter of youth and high school sports in Vernon, always ready to lend a helping hand with meals, equipment and uniforms. His love for the community was evident in the countless hours spent cheering on the Vernon Jackets. He loved watching the “ole dusty’s” which meant every old western John Wayne movie and Marshall Dillon episode ever made.  An avid fisherman, Coleman knew every nook and cranny of the rivers and creeks in Washington County. Those blue gill breams can rest a little easier now.  His love of nature was matched only by his passion for the New York Yankees, a source of friendly rivalry with wife, Diann, who is an avid Tampa Bay Rays fan.

Known for his honesty, fairness, commitment and dedication, Coleman was a man who valued hard work and integrity. Though his early years were marked by hardship, he transformed these experiences into a life of purpose, leaving a lasting impact on all who knew him.

A service to celebrate Coleman's life will be held on November 5, 2026, with a visitation at 10:00 AM followed by a memorial service at 11:00 AM at Journey Church, located at 3119 Main St, Vernon, FL 32462.  Interment will be at Ebenezer Church on Holmes Valley Road in Vernon, FL.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Vitas Hospice, especially his primary nurses Toni Qualls and Bonnie S, and the Vitas Social Worker Kristal Cooley, who provided daily compassionate care. Special thanks go to his granddaughter Jennifer Pendleton for her dedicated caregiving; his childhood friend Ferrell Brock for his treasured story telling, daily visits and sweet company; Cody Boyett for her unwavering support; to Vera Truett for her steadfast presence and assistance to Diann and the family during these challenging times; and to his good friends Jose’ and Dorothy Ponce for their unwavering friendship and love for his family.

Coleman's life was a testament to hard work, dedication, commitment, resilience, and love of family and friends. His spirit will continue to guide and inspire all who were fortunate to have known him and work for him.