Eric Stephen Coats

Eric was a beloved father, husband, son, brother, uncle, brother-in-law, son-in-law and friend. Born and raised in Miami, Florida, he graduated from Miami Southridge Senior High School. He attended Santa Fe Community College, and then he went on to enjoy some of his favorite years at the University of Georgia. While at the University of Georgia, Eric was a proud member of Phi Kappa Tau Fraternity, where he made lifelong friends and thrived at holding an office in the fraternity.

Eric enjoyed a satisfying career in media sales, radio sales, and media training with several radio stations in both Chattanooga, TN and Atlanta, GA. He was later a devoted and proud employee of The Home Depot, where he worked for many years in their Store Support Center.

Eric had a rare understanding and compassion for all people and animals. He was a loving and devoted father, investing his whole heart into his sons, Tommy and Jackson. Eric was happiest sitting at the baseball field cheering them on - as long as nobody asked him to keep the scoreboard. Eric loved nothing more than to have friends over and to cook for them. His signature dish was his famous chili, which he never got tired of making.

Eric is survived by his wife of 28 years, Elizabeth; sons, Tommy and Jackson; parents,Tom and Jeannie Coats of Miami, Florida; sister, Heather Schneider (Brian) of Norwalk, Connecticut; sister-in-law, Margaret Krieger (Dan) of Kennesaw, Georgia. He leaves behind several nieces and nephews, all of whom he adored: John, Ryan and Lachlan Schneider and Mary and Matthew Krieger. He was preceded in death by his nephew, Michael Schneider.

A celebration of his life will be on January 31st, 2025 from 6:00-9:00 pm at the Chimney Springs Clubhouse located at 2465 Hearthstone Circle, Marietta GA 30062.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you have your friends over, cook your friends a meal, hug your loved ones and cheer for the Dawgs if you are so inclined.