Walter "Boots" Coates

Walter Welford Coates, eldest son of the late Forest and Catherine Coates was born April 14, 1930 and departed this life peacefully on July 1, 2014 when God sent his angels down to come take him home. He was born in Balty, Va and is affectionately known as "Boots". He received his early education in the public schools of Balty, VA. He accepted Christ at an early age at St. John's Baptist Church in Milford, VA. He later transferred his membership to Beulah Baptist Church in Woodford, VA where he served faithfully until his health failed. There he became a Deacon and was a member of the Deacon Board for over 54 years. Walter was also a life member of the Welcome Lodge #125.
On August 5, 1950 he was united in Holy Matrimony to Cora Pernetta Brown and they made their home in Ladysmith, VA where they were blessed with five children: Janice Darlene (preceded him in death), Christopher Morley, Donald Alonzo, Victor Sebastian and Angela Rochelle.
In his early years he was a professional car salesman and we're sure he sold many of you a car or two. He was the top salesman at Oscar Tate Pontiac & Buick Fredericksburg, VA then moved to Cardinal Pontiac & Buick Ashland, VA where he was again the top salesman.
Walter was the owner of Coates Trucking, Incorporated. He could talk hours about trucks and would light up when he saw his trucks coming in after a days work. He was in the trucking business for over 50 years and has shared this business and his knowledge with his children, family and friends. Many have come to his home and would sit for hours and just talk about trucks, ask for advice or how to fix just about anything. He was a father figure not only to his children but to his brothers and sisters as well. Many looked up to him as they would seek his stern sarcasm and wisdom.
Walter leaves to cherish his memory, his devoted wife of 63 years, Cora B. Coates, three sons Christopher (Linda), Donald (Carolyn) both of Ladysmith, VA; Victor of Spotsylvania, VA and one daughter, Angela (Sadiq) of Ladysmith, VA. Seven Grandchildren: Damion, Dominick, Toland, Koyar, Tenesha, Trésor and Kaeden; Eight Great-Grandchildren: Shari, Dion, Kaeven, Kasen, Trent, Alexandra, Jasmine and Jourdyn; Four Brothers: Leon (Mable), Otis (Carol), Allandus and Floyd (Audrey); Three sisters: Loren, Laverne and Carol (Earl). Two sister-in-laws: Lelia and Gloria (Carl). A host of nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends who will miss him dearly. He was preceded in death by two sisters: Geneva C. Williams and Essie C. Dixon and two brothers: J. Edward Coates and Earl Wade Coates.


Funeral Home:
Cedell Brooks Funeral Home
25662 A.P. Hill Blvd
Port Royal, VA
US 22535