Warren Speed Coats

Warren Speed Coats, 50, of Valdosta, Georgia, entered into Glory Saturday, May 01, 2010. Born in Marianna, Florida he had lived in Valdosta for the past 49 years. He was a graduate of Valdosta High School class of 1977 and was also a graduate of Valdosta State University where he was a member of the Kappa Alpha Order (Fraternity). He was a member of First Presbyterian Church of Valdosta where he had served as Elder, a member of the Chancel Choir, Treasurer, and was instrumental in beginning the Sonrise/Contemporary Service. He was a member of the Azalea City Kiwanis Club where he served as Treasurer. He was Vice President of Valdosta Lighting Center and was the owner and operator of the former Southpaw Designs. He was a member of the Emmaus Community, working on numerous walks, and had served as Chairman of the Board for the Chrysalis Community. He had coached several softball teams and had the Lowndes High School Morris Coats softball field named in his honor. He had served on mission trips to Venezuela and Mexico. He was an avid golfer and outdoorsmen. He was a loving husband, father, brother, and friend.

Mr. Coats is survived by: his wife and college sweetheart of 25 years, Cynthia Coats of Valdosta; two daughters, Lauren and Callie Coats both of Valdosta; his brother and sister-in-law, Ray and Barbara Coats of Tallahassee, Fl.; his sister and brother-in-law, Kay and Bobby Flanders of Macon; three aunts, Tena Carter of Valdosta, Betty Davis of Little Rock, Ark., and Neva McKeown of Wilmar, Ark.; four nephews; and one niece. He was preceded in death by his parents, T.R. and Doris Coats, and his sister Janice Coats Lewis and her two children.

Funeral services will be held at 4 p.m. Tuesday at First Presbyterian Church. Burial will follow at McLane Riverview Memorial Gardens. Reverend Jerry Long, Pastor of First Presbyterian Church; Mr. Joe Glenn Smith; and Reverend Shannon Patterson, Associate Pastor of First United Methodist Church, will preside. Visitation will be held Monday from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church. In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to First Presbyterian Church, 313 N Patterson St., Valdosta, GA 31602 and/or the Kappa Alpha Order of Valdosta State University, 205 E Ann St, Valdosta, GA 31602. Condolences to the family may be conveyed online at www.mclanefuneralservices.com. Carson McLane Funeral Home is serving the family of Mr. Coats.

"Preach the gospel always, and when absolutely necessary use words"
-Francis of Assisi

Funeral Home:
Carson McLane Funeral Home
2215 North Patterson Street
Valdosta, GA
US 31602