LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION congratulating Floyd Winston Coleman, Jr. upon
the occasion of celebrating his 90th Birthday, and commending him for
many years of loyal and dedicated service to his family, church and City
of Elmira community

WHEREAS, From time to time we take note of certain individuals whom we
feel bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to the increasingly
active roles they play in today's society; their past contributions and
future participation are a vital part of, and a valuable asset to, the
fabric of community life and activity; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to congratulate
Floyd Winston Coleman, Jr. upon the occasion of celebrating his 90th
Birthday, and to commend him for many years of loyal and dedicated
service to his family, church and the City of Elmira community; and
WHEREAS, This exceptional nonagenarian, with his zest for life, has
inspired and enhanced the lives of his family and friends; and
WHEREAS, In 1943, Floyd Winston Coleman, Jr. graduated from Elmira
Free Academy in Elmira, New York; he then joined the United States Navy,
serving his country from 1943 to 1946, earning the rank of Second Class
Petty Officer; and
WHEREAS, Upon his return, Floyd Winston Coleman, Jr. was employed by
Remington Rand in Elmira, New York, for 26 years, and then for 15 years
by the Elmira Psychiatric Center; and
WHEREAS, In 1950, Floyd Winston Coleman, Jr. married the late Sarah
(Rosie) Jackson-Coleman, and together they raised three children,
Charles, Cathleen and Charlene; and
WHEREAS, This distinguished man has experienced the incredible joys
and sorrows characteristic of and reserved for those with the stamina
and courage to savor a full life; and
WHEREAS, Floyd Winston Coleman, Jr. was an active member of New York's
Improved Benevolent and Pro-Justice Order of Elks, holding for many
years the title of longest serving Grand District Deputy for Central New
York; during this time, he earned numerous awards and accolades includ-
ing the 1991 Leadership Award from the National District Deputies Coun-
cil, the New York State Association's 1999 Elk of the Year Award, the
2004 Leadership Award from Past Exalted Rulers Council No. 125, and the
Service Award for 62 years of Elkdom service by Central New York Council
No. 125 as well as the Queen City Lodge No. 174 in 2011; in addition, he
was the recipient of the New York State Association's inaugural Earl
Chapman Award in 2012; and
WHEREAS, Floyd Winston Coleman, Jr. was, for over a quarter century, a
member of the NAACP; he is also a lifetime member of the Frederick Doug-
las AME Zion Church in Elmira, New York, holding the title of President
and member of Men of Zion for 12 years; formerly, he served on the
Stewarts' Board, and was a member of the Young Persons Conference; and
WHEREAS, Floyd Winston Coleman, Jr. was featured in the documentary
"300 Miles to Freedom," recording the life of John Jones, an escaped
slave who settled in Elmira, New York, which included Elmira as yet
another portion of the history of the famous Underground Railroad; and
WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to publicly recog-
nize those who have reached such a remarkable age and who have witnessed
and celebrated the innovations, cultural developments and awesome
achievements of this country during the last nine decades, while them-
selves contributing to the growth and excellence of this great Empire
State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate Floyd Winston Coleman, Jr. upon the occasion of celebrating

his 90th Birthday, and for being such an extraordinary individual who
exemplifies strength, perseverance and wisdom and has impacted many
lives; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Floyd Winston Coleman, Jr.