Fred Haden Coats, Jr., 89, beloved husband, father, brother, and friend to many, peacefully crossed the threshold into the spiritual world on Thursday, January 7, 2021 at his home surrounded by his loving family.
Fred was born in Vicksburg Mississippi on June 24, 1931 to Fred Haden Coats, Sr. and Myrtle Anne Hutchins Coats. He grew up in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas in the city of La Feria. He received his PhD in physical chemistry from the University of Texas at Austin where he met his future wife Marilou Benson. They were married at the Sinton Presbyterian Church on June 16, 1956 and moved to Chattanooga in October of 1956 where he began working in research and development at the DuPont Nylon Plant, from where he retired after 38 years.
Fred, along with his wife, was a dedicated advocate in the field of mental health, both in the state of Tennessee and nationally. He touched many lives with his enduring love and generosity. Fred was an active member of the Second Presbyterian Church in Chattanooga for many years. His profound love for the Christ Being and Humanity led him to the Anthroposophical Society in America where he became a member of the First Class for the School of Spiritual Science.
Fred was preceded in death by his wife Marilou Benson Coats.
He is survived by his daughter Cyndy Coats Workman (Tony), sons James B. Coats (Bonnie), Fred J. Coats, William H. Coats (Ami), Stephen R. Coats (Lil Pabon), and Jasper H. Coats, siblings James Coats (Katie), Mollie D. Coats-Jackson, Myrtle A. Melli (Tony), D. Sam Coats (Judy), and Mary E. Ley (Bill), grandchildren Cyndi Coats Smith (Evan), Louisa Danielle Hughes Long (Martin), Christopher J. Coats (Jill), Troy R. Workman (Sarah Ambrose), seven great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.
Fred's wish is that in lieu of flowers donations be made to: The Anthroposophical Prison Outreach, 1923 Geddes Avenue, Ann Arbor, Michigan, 48104.
A memorial celebration of Fred's life will be announced at a later date.
Arrangements are under the care of Chattanooga Funeral Home Crematory and Florist East Chapel, 404 South Moore Rd. East Ridge, TN 37412.
Please share your thoughts and memories at www.ChattanoogaEastChapel.com
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