Frederick "Fred" Coates

September 27, 1941 - December 1, 2020

Frederick Lee Coates passed away on December 1, 2020 at his home. Fred was born September 27, 1941 in Detroit, MI to Albertus and Evelyn Coates, both of whom preceded him in death. Fred graduated Cody High School in Detroit and then attended Wayne State University on a basketball scholarship. He joined the US Air Force and trained in the Avionics Systems and still made time to play sports with the armed services leagues including basketball and softball where Fred was well known for his fast-pitch. On November 28, 1980 he married Jerri Gibson at Emmanuel Baptist Church and they made their home in Terrell after which they moved to Poetry after Fred’s retirement from Gator Construction. A handyman who enjoyed working on anything with his hands, Fred also enjoyed classic cars and ham radio operations and equipment. He also had an appreciation for gun collecting as well as guitars. Fred’s collection of guitars showcased his incredible talent for musicianship, and he was a great singer and could play successfully on his guitars, as well as the harmonica, and any other instrument that caught his eye. He was an active member of Oak Grove Baptist Church where he would help lead worship with his vocal and instrumental talents. Fred always had a smile on his face for others and he was a great encourager with his words and his generosity in helping be it with a project, an errand or a challenge. He did not hesitate to share his witness of Jesus Christ to anyone he met, no matter their religious or spiritual background. He was always quick to affirm the saving grace of Jesus to all he met making sure that each person knew that Jesus was ‘the way, the truth and the life’. A wonderful man whose servant’s heart could always be seen; Fred will be missed by all who knew him. Fred is survived by his wife, Jerri Coates, of Terrell; children: Rhonda Coates, Lee Coates and wife, Sherilyn, and Eric Coates and wife, Jenny; grandchildren: Katrina, Jonathan, Joshua, Anna, and Ben; sister, Nancy Karst as well as other extended family and friends. A celebration of Fred’s life will be at 1:00pm, Friday, December 11, 2020 at Max Slayton Funeral Chapel with the family receiving friends beginning at 12:00pm to service time. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the charity of your choice.