James William “J.W.” Coates, Sr.

Laurens, S.C.

James William “J.W.” Coates, Sr., 95, of Martha Franks Baptist Retirement Community, passed away on Friday, January 4, 2019.

Born in Laurens County, S.C., he was a son of the late Floyd P. and Beatrice Teague Coates. A U.S. Navy veteran of W.W. II and the Korean Conflict, Mr. Coates retired from Laurens County School District 56 Maintenance Department. A dedicated member of Beaverdam Baptist Church, J.W. was also a 32nd degree Scottish Rites Mason, member of the Cross Hill Lodge #139, a Shriner, and served as state dad for the DeMolay.

Surviving are his children: Gerri Coates McCuen and husband John of Pelzer, Jim Coates and wife Michele Gagnon of Lyndeborough, NH, and Floyd H. Coates and wife Terri of Waterloo; step-children, Eddie Armstrong and wife Betty of Gilbert and Tony Armstrong and wife Edna of Kingwood, TX; sister, Betty Chapman and husband Bruce of Easley; five grandchildren; and 5 great-grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Coates was predeceased by: his wives Rose Godfrey Coates and Helen Armstrong Coates; an infant son; a grandson, Jarrod Shaver; brothers, Gerald Coates and Bob Coates; sister, Doris Loun; and a step-son, Gerry Armstrong.

Funeral services will be held 2:00 p.m. on Monday, January 7, 2019, at Beaverdam Baptist Church conducted by Rev. Phil Bryson. Burial will follow in Forest Lawn Cemetery with Military Honors.

The family will be at their respective homes and will receive friends at the church from 12:30-2:00 p.m. on Monday.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Beaverdam Baptist Church, 1555 Beaverdam Church Rd. Mountville, SC 29370, Martha Franks Baptist Retirement Community, 1 Martha Franks Drive Laurens, SC 29360, Lutheran Hospice 429 North Main St., Suite 3 Greenville, SC 29601.

Condolences can be expressed to the family at www.thekennedymortuary.com.