Ronald Roger Coalson

July 11, 1943 - December 6, 2022
Ronald Roger Coalson

Memorial Gifts & Donations


Ronald Rogers Coalson, 79, of Wilmington, NC died unexpectedly Tuesday, December 6, 2022.

Ron was born in Atlanta, Georgia on July 11, 1943 the son of the late John D. Coalson and Bessie Price Coalson. He grew up in Goldsboro, NC and graduated from Goldsboro High School in 1960. He entered King College in Bristol, TN where he earned his Bachelors Degree in 1964. He was then commissioned into the US Navy where he was trained as a fighter pilot reaching the rank of Lt. Commander. Following his military service he was a pilot for Trans World Airlines, MGM Grand Airlines, Braniff International Airways and retired from Federal Express. During his varied airline pilot career he also joined Medical Air Rescue Company of Rapid City, SD. During his service there, he built a nationwide air ambulance service one of the first in the country, and became its President during his two and half years of service.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Lane Brown Coalson; sons, Drew Coalson of Carlsbad, CA; Cameron Smith and wife Jessica of Boone, NC; daughter, Lauren Smith of Wilmington, NC; brother Bert and wife Melissa of High Point, NC and grandchildren Danica Coalson, Ashlyn and Brooklyn Smith.

A celebration of life will be held Saturday July 29, 2023 from 3-5 at his home. Military Honors will take place at 4 PM

Please leave memories and condolences for Ron’s family by signing the “Tribute Wall” below.

Wilmington Funeral & Cremation 1535 S. 41st Street Wilmington, NC 28403.910.791.9099

Tribute Wall

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  • February 08, 2023
    Tom Tyler says:
    Ron, you were a great friend and LSO, one of those we trusted and appreciated. I remember though, the day you did try to bolter me with a low ball on the manual mirror so CAG could get the 25000th on the Tico. Fooled you and spotted the deck. RIP my friend, and save me a place at the table.

  • January 29, 2023
    Gerard Pearson says:
    RC was a huge and dynamic personality__and always will be. One of THE best F-8 Drivers and one of THE best LSO's that ever waved the F-8. Our paths crossed a thousand times since Preflight in 1964__Navy, the Reserves, the Airlines, and beyond. RIP my friend. G. "Dog" Pearson

  • January 26, 2023
    John Laughter says:
    Very sorry to hear that this fine gentleman has passed. Ron was a great guy to know and fly with. His booming "Roger Ball" from the LSO platform always made for reassurance on those night carrier landings in the Crusader. An exceptional man!

  • January 25, 2023
    Red Best says:
    Super friend always with a smile.....Smooth LSO and treated sister squadron (VF-111)with same critical eye as his own guys (VF-162). Save a slot for me-----getting close to the Big Charlie.

  • January 24, 2023
    John Braly says:
    Ron & I made 2 cruises together, Oriskany 1967 and Tico 1969. We became great friends and shared many good times both during and after our Navy days. Great friend, Great pilot, Great LSO. RIP Boo-Boo...see you up there some time, Flaps