Coleman Trantham was born and raised in Haywood County, North Carolina. He joined the military at the age of 19 and was on active duty for 4 years working on MPN13 radar and air traffic control systems. Once he completed his time on active duty, he attended classes at Western Carolina University where he earned degrees in philosophy and English education. While earning his degrees at WCU he also went through ROTC becoming an officer in the North Carolina Army National Guard with the 211 Military Police Company. For the past 23 years Coleman taught high school in Caldwell County where he worked with at-risk youth. During his time with Caldwell County schools Coleman has also earned two master’s degrees in literature and in writing.