Birth date: Nov 7, 1945 Death date: May 30, 2020
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II Timothy 4:7, “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.”Pastor John Coates, 74, of Kingsport, went to be with the Lord Saturday, May 30, 2020, at Emory University Hospital in Atlanta, GA. He was born November 7, 1945, in Radford, VA to the late Edward and Rachel Brooks Coates.John was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and uncle. He was happiest spending time with his family, especially on the lake. However, his greatest joy in life came from sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ.He was a Southern Baptist pastor for forty-five years and served churches in TN, NC, VA and AL. John was presently a member of Sunnyside Baptist Church.John was a graduate of Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, Wake Forest, NC where he earned his Masters of Divinity Degree and previously served on various boards and committees with the Tennessee and Alabama Baptist Conventions.Those left to cherish John’s memory are his loving wife of fifty years, Rebecca Horton Coates; daughter, Christi Bass and husband, Tim; son, Keith Coates and wife, Stacie; grandchildren, Jamie, Jackson and Jordan Bass and wife, Ashley, Kate and Caroline Coates; sisters, Kay Wayne, Sandy Ruth and husband, John; brother, Ed Coates and wife, Vashti; sisters-in-law, Betty Welch and Marietta Walton; mother-in-law, Nancy K. Horton; numerous nieces and nephews.A public viewing will be held Friday, June 5, 2020, from 5:00-6:00 pm in the sanctuary of Sunnyside Baptist Church.The Celebration of Life Service will follow at 6:00 pm with Pastor David Luster officiating.The family will receive friends following the service in the sanctuary. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, social distancing guidelines will be observed during the visitation.The Graveside & Committal Service will be held Saturday, June 6, 2020, at 11:00 at East Lawn Memorial Park with Pastor Tiger Brooks and Pastor David Luster officiating. Serving as pallbearers, Erik Walton, Jordan Bass, Wes Bishop, Warren Wayne, Jason Welch, Jackson Bass, Harold Wayne and Tim Bass.In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to the Mission Fund at Sunnyside Baptist Church, 406 Cooks Valley Road, Kingsport, TN 37664 or the Atlanta Hospital Hospitality House, 1815 S. Ponce de Leon Ave., NE, Atlanta, GA 30307.The family extends their sincere gratitude to all their extended family and friends who loved and supported John throughout his ministry.To leave an online condolence for the please visit www.oakhillfh.comThe care of Pastor John Coates and his family has been entrusted to the staff of Oak Hill Funeral & Cremation Services.Read Obituary
We first met John and Becky while he was an interim pastor at Lynn Garden Baptist. We were so bless to have him and Becky as part of our church family. One of my fondest memories is that he had the honor of leading our son Conner to Christ and Baptizing him.
Praying God will wrap His loving arms around the family and provide you with the love and comfort you need during this most sad time.
With Love from the Collins family, Ken, Aliceson, and Conner
Mr. John ranks at the top of my "favorite preachers/pastors/friends" list. The church family at Proctors Chapel in Rocky Mount, NC, was blessed to worship under his leadership and felt a part of his family. He shared God's love and promoted healing needed at our church during that time. Mrs. Becky, Christy and Keith - many miles have separated us during the past 30 years, but you and Mr. John have always been loved and respected, and never forgotten. I can only imagine the joyous welcome he received in Heaven! Love you guys, Tina and Kelly Webb
I’m so sorry that you all have endured sickness and loss. I love you all so much. I don’t know what I would have done without the love and support of John and Becky so many years ago. Though it’s been many years I’ve never forgotten the love and Christian influence in my life and the lives of my children. God bless you all. Love Wray and Debra Wheeless.
Becky, Christie, and Keith, we just heard of John's passing. Our sincere condolences. We have so many precious memories of him and your family. Please know that we are praying for each of you. Norman and Bonnie Webb, Rocky Mount, NC.
Wish I could be with all of you today and know that you will be in my thoughts and prayers. I feel very blessed to have you as my cousins. I have so many wonderful
memories of times spent together. May the Lord bless and keep you at this time.
Your cousin, Debbie(Burchett) Harding
John and Becky are the nicest people you could ever meet. John was our intern pastor at Lynn Garden Baptist Church. I loved to hear his sermons. He will be missed by many. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Becky and the family.
So many precious memories of time spent with John during my childhood and early adulthood. So thabkful for the blessing he was to my family and so many others over the years. Love and prayers for all.
So sorry for your loss. Many of your family members and our family members have been very close for many years. I know we share the same values and the love of our Lord Jesus Christ. We rejoice that we will be together again, but we selfishly hate to let go because we lose the personal touch, hug, fellowship and sharing. I pray the wonderful memories will give you joy during and after your time of grief. Our prayers for peace and comfort and for Jesus to hold and comfort your family. All our love, Nancy and Hal Livergood.
