Condolence: I remember Coach Coates from my days in Oscar Smith High School. He was a great Civics teacher and outstanding basketball coach. He married the prettiest girl on Virginia Avenue... I know they have had a good life together. He will be missed and remembered by many . Thank goodness for the internet that connects friends and keep those who live far away informed of events that touch us all. My prayers are for family and friends. graduate 1960

Condolence: Hi Gayle:
This is Betty Odell Harris. Thinking of you and I understand. I lost Ken last year. Thinking of you and your family. Love to all of you

Condolence: Very sorry to hear that Mr. Coates has passed away. I played basketball at Smith High School for Mr. Coates during the 1965/1966 basketball season. I enjoyed playing for him and always respected him as a coach and teacher. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.

Condolence: Gayle so sorry to hear about Abe he was a remarkable person. I think most of us who graduated from Oscar Smith were in his Senior Civics Class. I always enjoyed taking with him in later years when we would be at church. I hope you are doing well. I understand your place and the journey that you have begun. It comes with mixed feelings of joy and sadness as we remember the past times together with sincere thanks. Please remember that your friends are holding you in prayer for each day. Please express our to Ann and Chuck. Best wishes
Frank Goforth

Condolence: Our thoughts and prayers are with Mrs. Coates and the Cherry family at this time. We are grieving with you at the loss of your wonderful husband, father, father-in-law, and grandfather. We are rejoicing with you about all the joy he brough during his life, and that he has finished his race well and is with his Lord and Savior. We remember his thoughtfulness, his love, and his kindness. He helped shape the lives of Ann, Chuck, and Caleb Cherry, and we appreciate them very much. They have been a wonderful part of our lives for over 14 years. Mr. Coates spent seeing to the needs of his family as well as many others. He is and will be missed. Our love and prayers go to Mrs. Coates, Ann, Chuck, and Caleb. May God richly bless you and comfort you at this time.
Love,
The Welsh Family

Condolence: Gayle, out thoughts and prayers go out to you. Abe will be missed but it was a honor to have known him.

Condolence: We extend our deepest sympathies at this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Condolence: Ann & family, A sunset on earth means a sunrise in heaven. May God surround you with peace, strength and comfort during this difficult time. We all have so many pleasant memories of Mr. Coates at OFS! But I also know what it's like to lose a father. May you find comfort knowing he was so well respected and made a positive impact on every life he touched. Well done, my faithful servant. Our loss is heaven's gain and we will one day reunite with our loved ones. What a glorius day that will be.
Cheryl, Curtiss, Michael Phelps and families

Condolence: Mr. Coates was a very special person and will be very greatly missed. I cried when he retired and again when I heard that he had passed. My thoughts are with you all during this time and my eternal thanks for sharing him with us, the many students that he helped and inspired throughout his career.

Condolence: Gayle, we are so sorry to hear about Abe's passing. But so grateful to have been a part of his extended family. Both you and Abe have made such a positive difference in our lives and the lives of our children Catherine and Melanie.
We will all miss "Mr. Abe" very much.