William J. Coulson, Sr. 83, of Pottsville entered peacefully into eternal rest Monday morning.

Born February 2, 1931, he was the son of the late Arthur and Helen (Gable) Coulson.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife Marjorie A. (Guy) Coulson in 2003, son William J. Coulson, Jr., in 1980, a sister Frances "Teeny" Palko, and brothers-in-law, John Palko, Joseph Uranko, and Ed Moran.

He is survived by a daughter Tina M. Coulson of Pottsville and grandson, Nicholas W. Todak of Philadelphia; a son, Thomas A. Coulson and fiancee Becky Dillman of Frackville, grandsons Noah Dillman-Coulson and Ethan T. Coulson of Frackville, Marianne Catizone, mother of Ethan, granddaughters Heather Catizone of Hazleton, Emily Dillman-Bell, Alana Dillman, and Julia Dillman, each of Frackville; two brothers, James Coulson, Joseph Coulson and his wife MaryAlice, two sisters, Betty Uranko and June Moran, along with several nieces, nephews, and cousins across generations.

He was a 1950 graduate of the Pottsville Area High School. He continued his training within the United States Navy to serve our Country in the Korean War as an Aircraft Structural Mechanic 3 then as an Expert Submarine Hunter in The Hunter Killer Force, US Atlantic Fleet, U.S. Air Anti-Submarine, Squadron 22.  His pride, honor, and dedication to our servicemen and women continued throughout his life as he devoted countless hours of volunteer service providing veterans with transportation to the VA Hospital in Lebanon, Pa. During this time, he became known as "The Apple Cake Guy" as he would bake several cakes for donation to the hospital's waiting rooms. Additionally, in the joy of helping others, he also volunteered his time supporting local politicians, coaching little league baseball, providing transportation to his children's teams' athletic events, and providing navigational guidance to travelers across the states via his CB Radio and known by the name "Halfmoon" in honor of his late wife's Native American Heritage.

Prior to his first retirement, William was employed as a steel worker by Etna Steel, then by Dana Steel Corporation and as a lifelong member of The United Steel Workers Association. In his free time, he enjoyed engaging in hobbies such as woodworking and craftsmanship.  He later returned part-time to the workforce employed as a security guard for Boscov's Department Store then the Blaschak Coal Company.

William Coulson's family would like to extend their most sincere expression of gratitude to Covenant Home Care and Ms. Patricia Pretti.  Through their provision of quality care, dependability, and unwavering kindness, they made it possible for him to peacefully enter into eternal rest at home in the presence of his loving family.

Funeral Services will be held Tuesday at 10:00 a.m. at the Schlitzer Allen Pugh Funeral Home 515 West Market Street Pottsville with Deacon Jack Quirk officiating.  Family and friends are invited to pay their respects from 9AM until the time of service. Interment with military honors will follow at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville.