On June 28, 2023, God called home our beloved brother, uncle and friend. Herbert was born at home on October 10, 1946, in Asheboro, NC to Ms. Susie Francis Coltrane. Although Herbert was his given birth name, he has always been known by all as Red.

Red was the oldest of 4 boys. He lived most of his years with his grandparents, Mac Mckinnley & Lacey Coltrane, where he loved learning and working along side his grandpa. Red had many farming jobs and was a well known member of the Stoney Hill community.

Red attended Rena Bullock School. He would bring his small record player that played forty five's and his collection of records to school where he would "DJ" at the school dances. He enjoyed playing the drums on his bucket and stick set he made.

In 1960, at the age of 14, Red bravely marched during the civil rights protest at the sit-in that occurred at a segregated Woolworth's lunch counter in Greensboro, NC.

All of Red's siblings, nieces, nephews, in-laws, extended family and friends have enjoyed their many trips and drop in visits with Red while spending time listening to his sharp memory recall life events, funny stories of childhood or just sharing a meal with him. We all adored Red and couldn't get enough of his contagious laugh!

Some of the things Red enjoyed doing in his early years were pitching horseshoes, making airplanes with sticks with his brothers, and making their own basketball hoop, because despite differences in abilities, they would all still play together. Red loved to draw and was quite good at it. In fact, Red entered in a magazine drawing contest and was good enough to be offered to attend art school in New York, but he humbly declined.

Red was tormented by multiple seizures. He battled a bad heart, and in his later days, he painfully endured strokes and lots of dialysis's treatments. But through it all, Red kept up his spirit by watching old westerns, action movies, and felt comfort in spending time on the porch holding his sweet dog Abby.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Moses H. Cone Memorial Hospital Doctors, Nurses & Staff for taking special care of Red when unfortunate circumstances in distance put us apart during his last day. Thank you to Paula & Staff at Piedmont Hills Center. Thank you to Hargett Funeral Home for assisting and accommodating us so we can properly honor a man who deserves it.

Our Red is survived by his younger brothers, Willie Lee Coltrane (Mary), Horace Lee Coltrane (Wanda) and John Lewis Coltrane. Lots of nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.

He was welcomed home in heaven by his strong, independent, loving Mother, Susie Coltrane, his nephew Quinn Coltrane, his Grandparents, Aunts and Uncles. We know it was a joyful reunion for all, as he was one of the last of his many dear friends still here on earth as well.

Red's family will be honoring him at a small gathering for a celebration of his life on Sunday, August 27, 2023 at 2:00 pm Stoney Hill Cemetery in Greensboro, NC. We welcome and appreciate any stories and/or pictures of Red that you would like to share with us at that time, before or after.

The family felt it most important to "PAY IT FORWARD". Red had a BIG heart and would do anything for anyone! We ask that in lieu of flowers or monetary donations, please do something kind for someone in need or just because. In his loving memory, Amen!