Chief Lee Roy Anderson Coats Jr. 92 of North Charleston, passed away September 7, 2021. He was born September 24, 1928, in Marion, IN, to Lee Roy Coats and Mildred Douglas Coats, who have preceded him in death.
Lee Roy completed his secondary education while serving in the United States Navy. He served as a sea man and was present during the Atomic Bombs at Bikini Atoll (Operations Crossroads). While station in Philadelphia, PA he met his wife Doris Cantwell, they married January 8, 1949. He went on become a Boatswain’s Mate working his way up to Chief Petty Officer before retiring as a WWII Veteran. Roy lived up to his requirements as the fountain of wisdom, the ambassador of good will, the authority in personal relations as well as in technical applications. “Ask the Chief” was a household phrase in and out of the Navy. He was a loving Father, Grandfather and sometimes both as well Great and Great Great-Grandfather. He was a member Midland Park Methodist Church and a member of Charleston Elks lodge 242 where he organized and prepared Friday night dinners for well over five years. Which loved to do as he was the Chef in the family. For those that knew him watched him overcome so many of life’s obstacles as he was mostly deaf and then later went blind. Many saw him as an inspiration. They saw his dedication, devotion, commitment, and courage. He was so much more than just a Father, Grandfather, or friend. To our family and any who knew him he was an influence, a true example of a strong man. Through his resilience, fortitude and strong spirt, he provided strength to all those around him. Although he was blind and nearly completely deaf with a mountain of medical issues, he was still the happiest man you will have ever met. Always maintaining a great sense of humor. He may have lived to be 92 years old, but he never let his heart age a day……
Lee Roy is survived by his devoted wife of 72 years, Doris Mae Coats the love of his life; their four children; his only son Ted Coats, his wife Tiphaine Ravenel Coats, and three very loving Daughters, Violet Lynch, Ruth Steward and Brenda Smith and her husband Steve Smith. Four wonderful Grandchildren Julia Hickey, Sherry Edgin-Hayes and her husband Chris Hayes, George “Bobby” Steward, John Lynch and his wife Shannon Blake-Lynch. Six crazy Greatgrandchildren who have kept him young all these years. Dominic Jones and his wife Victoria Jones, Ashlynn Edgin, Olivia Hickey, Ava Edgin, Xavier lynch, and Sydney lynch. Great Great-Granddaughter Starr Baddeley. Sisters Linda Coats Tidmore and Millie Likes and her husband Bruce Likes and Brother, Raymond Coats, his wife Judy Coats.
Preceding him in death were six Sisters, Janie Owings, Jeanie Weirich, Virginia Maddox, Vernia Fanning, Margaret Hamilton and Violet l. Sloderbeck and three Brothers, Eli Coats, Leonard Coats, Kenneth Coats.
Visitation will be held on Friday, September 17th, 2021, from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm at the Carolina Memorial Funeral home (7113 rivers Ave, North Charleston, SC 29406). A funeral service will be held on Friday, September 17th, 2021, from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm at the Carolina memorial funeral home chapel (7113 rivers Ave, North Charleston, SC 29406). A burial will be held on Friday, September 17th, 2021, from 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.carolinamemorial.com for the Coats family.
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