Walter Leroy Coates

Born on December 29, 1962, in Warrenton, Virginia, Walter lived his life by the motto he embraced early on: “Work Smarter, Not Harder.” Even as a child, his unique way of communicating—pointing rather than speaking—became a cherished family story, showing his ability to connect without words.

Walter attended H.M. Pearson Elementary School in Catlett, Virginia, and Cedar Lee Junior High, where he began his basketball career and also played football. Determined to pursue his passion, he worked in local hay fields to earn money for basketball camp. He attended the prestigious Five Star Basketball Camp, competing alongside many well-known athletes, and later studied at Blue Ridge School in Dyke, Virginia, before graduating from Fauquier High School in Warrenton, Virginia.

His talent earned him a full scholarship to play college basketball at Holy Cross College in Worcester, Massachusetts, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in History. Returning to Virginia, Walter built a successful 30-year career with FedEx.

In retirement, Walter shared his life with Mea, enjoying laughter, love, and companionship. A lover of history, he became an avid reader of local Black history, deepening his appreciation for the stories of his community.

Walter leaves behind his loving siblings Tina and Carleasa, and his brother Leslie with his wife Kim; as well as his nephews Brenden and Bryson. Walter is survived by his son, Walter Jr.; his stepdaughter, Samantha; and his stepson, Antwon.

He is remembered with love by his uncle Leo Coates and aunt Shelia Coates; cousins Leo and Tony Coates; Ronnie and Golder O’Neil and their spouses, Renee and Christine; Felecia Thorpe, Tia Thorpe, and Tamika Uzzle with her husband Al, along with their daughters Briona, Kira, and Ivy. Walter’s extended family also includes cousins Mark and George Yarbrough and George’s son, Amir; Gordon Robinson and his daughter Sonya Robinson and her son Chase.

Walter cherished the lifelong friendship of his college friends Henri Pierre Jacque and Carl “Smitty” Smith, who remained close throughout his life. He is also survived by many other beloved relatives and friends who will continue to honor his memory.

He joins in eternal rest his parents Ann Tynes Coates and Leslie R. Coates Jr.; his brother Moses Coates; maternal grandparents Elsie and William Bohannon and Walter Tynes; paternal grandparents Leslie and Lutie Coates; cousins Sylvia Robinson and Glenn Yarbrough; great uncle James Johnson; great aunt Annie White; great uncle Moses White; his cousins Kenny Coates and Austin O’Neil Jr. and many other cherished ancestors.

Walter will be remembered for his humor, his love of laughter, and his gratitude for the family of friends who enriched his life. He often spoke of how much better they made his journey, and his memory will continue to inspire joy and love in all who knew him.