Condolence From: joan pannell womble
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
Tuesday September 18, 2012
Condolence From: Betty Harris
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
Monday September 17, 2012
Condolence From: Larry Tatem
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.
Monday September 10, 2012
Condolence From: Frank Goforth
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
Friday September 07, 2012
Condolence From: Craig, Michelle, Craig Jr., Joseph, Benjamin, Daniel, and Jonathan Welsh
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
Friday September 07, 2012
Condolence From: Keith & Mary Ann Rowe
Condolence: Gayle, out thoughts and prayers go out to you. Abe will be missed but it was a honor to have known him.
Thursday September 06, 2012
Condolence From: The Hartline Family
Condolence: We extend our deepest sympathies at this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Thursday September 06, 2012
Condolence From: Cheryl Phelps Bucenell
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
Thursday September 06, 2012
Condolence From: Donna J. Brown (Stowe)
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.
Thursday September 06, 2012
Condolence From: Brian and Carol Hall
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.
Wednesday September 05, 2012
Condolence From: Donna & Donnie Foster
Condolence: Dear Gayle & Family:
We were saddened to learn of Clayton's passing. We so enjoyed our visits back years ago when you would come up to Virgina and Betty Lou & Bob's. They were good times and the the memories will live on. We will uplift all of you in our prayers.
Our love and thoughts are with you,
Donna & Donnie
Wednesday September 05, 2012
Condolence From: RoseMary Groome
Condolence: Gayle, I am so sorry to hear of Abe's passing. My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult times. I remembered him (and you) from Rosemont Christian Church and Oscar Smith. Because he was so tall, my family used to tease him for his liken of "Abe Lincoln". He will be missed......RoseMary Groome
Wednesday September 05, 2012
Condolence From: Diana Fitzgerald Holton
Condolence: I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with your family during this difficult time. I along with my older sister and brother graduated from Oscar Smith and had the honor of him teaching/advising us during high school. He was a very special man and educator who cared deeply for his students. He will missed by all who had the pleasure of meeting him.
Wednesday September 05, 2012
Condolence From: Richard Milteer
Condolence: Gayle, my heart was broken to learn of "Abe's" death. Oh so many wonderful memories of OFSHS and what an incredible coach and person he was. A very special memory of Abe was my Mother saying how he always helped her at Rosemont and how wonderful he was to her and to Ken Hollomon. My thoughts, prayers and love are with you and your family at this difficult time.
Wednesday September 05, 2012
Condolence From: James and Diane Bocock
Condolence: I was greatly saddened to hear of the passing of Mr. Coates. I was a student of Mr.Coates very early in his career when he taught Government at Oscar Smith High School. I graduated in 1958 and still recall his class and things I learned and remember these many years later! Mr. Coates was a very special man who touched the lives of many people in a positive way as teacher, coach, and administrator. He was a tall impressive, yet quiet spoken man. A number of years later, I was taking a graduate course and recognized Mr. Coates was taking the class as well. We spoke and I was surprised he not only recognized me but remembered my name. I was just talking to my brother a few weeks ago about our school days and found that he had Mr. Coates for his teacher about ten years after I did. Mr. Coates was a good man who made an important contribution to his community. He will be missed. Our sincere condolences go to Gayle and all of the family. Jim and Diane Bocock
Wednesday September 05, 2012
Condolence From: Lloyd Edmonds
Condolence: My dear tall freind, you will never be forgotten! You always brought joy to our Sunday school class! I am sad to see you leave this place but happy that you have made it to a place of No Pain and Suffering! We Will Meet Again!! I Love You Brother Abe!! Say hello to your angels in heaven!! GOD IS WITH YOU!!
Tuesday September 04, 2012
Condolence From: Patty Rhodes
Condolence: I'm so sorry for your loss. Mr. Coates was such a good, kind man. As a student at OFS (class of '72), I looked up to him and held him in high regard. I've no doubt that he had the same effect on many others. May all your memories keep him close in your heart.
Tuesday September 04, 2012
Condolence From: Larry and Gloria Williams
Condolence: Thoughts and prayers for Abe, Gayle and the Family. We are so sorry to hear this news.:( <3
Love to All,
Larry and Gloria Williams
Tuesday September 04, 2012
Condolence From: Steve Dail
Condolence: Ann, I am so sorry to hear about your father. Even before I knew you he was one of my favorite people. He was one of my best teachers and coaches that I had at Smith. And I will always cherish our talk together last year about the old days. I cannot come to the service due to looking after Troy's dogs but you will be in my thoughts and prayers at all times.
Tuesday September 04, 2012
Condolence From: Glenn L. Koonce
Condolence: Abe was such a joy to work with as a member of the administrative team at Oscar Smith High School. Not only did he know everybody in the community, he trusted and respected them. Students came to him for guidance and to help them solve problems. Faculty, staff and community did the same. I was honored to do the same because I valued his integrity, his humor and his love. We trusted him and he never let us down. He carved for me a wooded boot that has sit on my desk now for 22 years. Maybe I'll take it Heaven with me so we can share it again. Bye Abe.
Tuesday September 04, 2012
Condolence From: Angela Bell
Condolence: Anne and family, so sorry for your loss. Mr. Coates was a special man who always had time for any student at OFS. Thoughts and prayers are with your family. Angela Pietrucci Bell
Tuesday September 04, 2012
Condolence From: Kristen Cooper
Condolence: Dear Ann, Chuck, and Caleb,
You have my deepest sympathy. I know your father/grandfather was a great blessing in your life, and touched the life of so many. He has certainly been a great support to the StoneBridge family and will be missed. May his life of service to family, our nation, and Jesus be ever celebrated!
Most sincerely,
Kristen Cooper
Tuesday September 04, 2012
Condolence From: Christine (Joyce) Miller
Condolence: Mr. Coates was one of my favorite teachers. He had such a good sense of humor and truly cared about us students. My children attended OFS while he was an assistant pricipal. He was kind to them as well. Fond memories are left from him. May the Lord comfort his family and friends through his passing. See you in heaven someday Mr. Coates.
Tuesday September 04, 2012
Condolence From: james fentress, jr.
Condolence: Gail and Ann,
Thank you for sharing Abe with us. I will always smile when I think of him. I feel blessed to have known this kind and gentle giant. Our thoughts and prayers are with you in his passing and going forward.
Sincerely,
Fentress Family Jr.
Tuesday September 04, 2012
Condolence From: Dana Kemp Tysor
Condolence: Gary and I are so sorry to hear of Abe's passing. Gail, you were always fun to talk with at family gatherings and I remember Abe as well standing and smiling. I remember him being very tall and handsome. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Dana Kemp Tysor and Gary Tysor (Bill's old neighbor)
Tuesday September 04, 2012
Condolence From: June Rose Hudgins
Condolence: My thoughts and prayers are with the family during this difficult time. God bless.
Tuesday September 04, 2012
Condolence From: Cindy and Brittany Thornhill
Condolence: Anne and the Coates Family-
From the bottom of my heart, I would like to send you our sincerest sympathies. Clayton was a wonderful person and caring man. We loved his stories when he came to visit especially about basketball. He is leaving a wonderful legacy.
Tuesday September 04, 2012
Condolence From: Cindy Coates Jones and family
Condolence: Clayton always had a smile on his face. My last remembrance of him was at the motel when I came to visit him and Gayle. He looked so much like my dad. It brought me so much pleasure to be in his company. He was without a doubt a great man. God Bless you all.
Tuesday September 04, 2012
Condolence From: William Dunn
Condolence: So sorry to learn of Abe's passing. He was a great person and always had a good comment when ever we met. He will be missed.
Tuesday September 04, 2012
Condolence From: Frank & Barbara Caputo
Condolence: We are so saddened by Abe's passing. We did not know him that long, but he left a lasting impression on our lives. Blessings to the Coates family and let us all draw strength knowing he is with his Savior and ours. Frank and Barbara
Tuesday September 04, 2012
Condolence From: Deborah Forwood Hocut
Condolence: My husband Daniel and I were teachers at Oscar Smith (and I graduated class of 1977). We remember Abe fondly. We cherish a beautiful wooden box he made for us as a wedding gift. Each day we see that treasure and think of him. He will be so greatly missed.
Tuesday September 04, 2012
Condolence From: Kathy Mahone
Condolence: Thank you so much for all you did for our school. There are so many stories and fond memories.....you will be greatly missed. Rest in peace my friend. Much love and prayers to your family.
Tuesday September 04, 2012
Condolence From: Terry Keeling
Condolence: Our loss is heaven's gain. Abe's smile and laugh are my best memories of a man I considered a friend. A life well lived is his legacy to us.
Tuesday September 04, 2012
Condolence From: Win Culpeper
Condolence: In the journey of life, we meet many people. There are a few that leave strong positive impressions. My friend and collegue Abe Coates was such a man. I miss him already.
Monday September 03, 2012
Condolence From: Kim Dunphy Murphy
Condolence: Mr. Coates was one of the AP's my first year teaching at OFS. (1992) I have nothing but sweet memories of a dear man who ALWAYS looked out for me...a 22 year old, young lady, from New York. I could always tell his words were seasoned with much wisdom. And, although he never tried to "crush" my dreams, he wanted me to live in reality. For MY sake. Teaching at Oscar Smith was almost never easy...but that's not why we were there...and, certainly NOT why Mr. Coates was there. Can't wait to reunite in eternity, under One Lord, Jesus Christ.
Monday September 03, 2012
Condolence From: Wendy McAllister Callahan
Condolence: To the family of this wonderful man: I wish you many hugs and lots of love. I pray for you the strength of God Himself to carry you through. I pray for you to be swamped in love and peace at this time. Mr Coates was a wonderful administrator when I was at OFS.
Monday September 03, 2012
Condolence From: Jewel Boone
Condolence: I am truly blessed to have had Abe as a teacher, co-worker and friend. He touched so many people with his kindness and humor. RIP Abe, you will be missed more than you will ever know.
Monday September 03, 2012
Condolence From: Maryellen Perry Reigel
Condolence: Anne and the Coates family,
My deepest sympathy to your whole family. Your dad touch so many peoples lives. He will be missed by so many who knew him.
May GOD bring you much comfort and peace at this difficult time.
Keeping you in prayer
Monday September 03, 2012
Condolence From: Vickie Clewis Sparrow
Condolence: So Sorry to hear of your passing ,I have many memories from my high school days.you will be missed by so many.many god hold you in his arms
Monday September 03, 2012
Condolence From: Linda Perry
Condolence: Mr. Coates was the best Asst. Pincipal ever! I can remember the many times he came to find me at Earls or Franks because I was late coming back after lunch. Or the many times I was called to his office and he would always listen and understand my side. He believed in me when so many others didn't. Thank you Mr. Coates! You will always be cherished and remembered. My heart and deepest sympathy is with the family as they mourn the loss of their special loved one. He was loved by all of us!
Monday September 03, 2012
Condolence From: Pam Boush Taylor and Bobby Taylor
Condolence: My thoughts and prayers are with the Coates family at this time. Mr. Coates was a wonderful man and a true inspiration for all of us at Oscar Smith. I remember him well from Rosemont Christian Church and his guidance at Oscar Smith.
Monday September 03, 2012
Condolence From: Janie Dobbs Payne-Mobley
Condolence: I am so sorry to hear of Mr. Coates passing. He was my Goverment teacher at Oscar Smith High School. He was a great man and he will be missed. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.
Monday September 03, 2012