Fred Haden Jr and Fred Joseph Coats

Fred H. Coats, Jr. was a longtime advocate and activist for promoting mental health understanding and awareness in the Chattanooga area and in the State of Tennessee. He dedicated his life energy to helping members of his family as well as many others. Mr. Coats devoted a lot of study and research into the area of homeopathic healing. In addition to being a highly skilled material scientist, Mr. Coats was a longtime member of the Anthroposophical Society, deeply involved in the study of spiritual science and the evolution of the Human soul in the light of the Christ Being. He also had a lifelong love for classical music. He was immeasurably loved, and was respected by all of those whose lives have been touched by his exceptional generosity, discipline and compassion.

Fred Joseph Coats was the well-loved third sibling in a family 0f six children. Fred loved singing and listening to music. In his early school years, he was quite a talented trumpet player. He very much enjoyed watching the birds and squirrels while communing with nature at the family residence. Fred Joseph was also a valued member of the Alexian Brothers PACE program in the final years of his life. The loving care, fellowship and community of the program staff and participants greatly improved Fred’s quality of life, as well as that of his family’s. Fred suffered with mental illness from a young age and for most of his/her life, yet in spite of the exceptional challenges never gave up on the power of love and compassion towards others. In this regard, Fred Joseph shines on as a bright light to us all.

They were both preceded in death by their wife and mother, Marilou Benson Coats.

They are survived by their daughter and sister Cyndy Coats Workman (Tony), sons and brothers James B. Coats (Bonnie), William H. Coats (Ami), Stephen R. Coats (Lil), and Jasper H. Coats.

A Celebration of both their lives will be held in the East Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home on Saturday April 2, 2022 at 4pm with Rev. James Davenport officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior beginning at 3pm.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ChattanoogaEastChapel.com for the Coats family.

Arrangements are under the care of Chattanooga Funeral Home Crematory and Florist East Chapel, 404 South Moore Rd. East Ridge, TN 37412.