Obituary of Tolly Coats

The sun rose on the life of Mr. Tolly Coats, Jr. on December 20, 1940 in Coffeville, Alabama when he was born to Tolly Coats, Sr. and Ella Cox. The youngest of nine children and only son, he had eight sisters, Pearlie, Lelemae, Elmarie, Ellenrae, Delma, Gravelee, Mary and Dorothy Ruth. "He used to go over to his grandma's house all the time and that's where he started eating buttermilk and cornbread. He would also get a fresh chicken off her farm to eat." Educated in the public school system, Tolly graduated from Central High School in Mobile, Alabama. On October 7, 1963, Tolly was united in marriage with Beatrice Martin in Denver, Colorado. To this union were born two beautiful children, Jonathan and Jowell. He was a devoted father. In later years, his grandchildren, Kecia, Dayna, Deja, Jonathan, Tollie and Jasmine and great grandchildren, Keajah- Rae, Harold, Nekeia, Dayshuwun, Romeo and Apollo were an additional source of joy and pride in his life. They remember "Grandpa" giving all of them nicknames. "He was a homemade, old school DJ. He made records with his son all the time." They loved him dearly. An entrepreneur, Tolly owned and operated Coats Tire Company for over fourteen years. He was known for hard work and honesty in dealing with his customers. In his free time, Tolly enjoyed family, friends, watching football and cooking. His best friend was Archie Cox. His love, kindness and sense of humor will be deeply missed by all who were fortunate enough to have shared a part of his life. To know Tolly was to love him. The sun set on the life of Mr. Tolly Coats, Jr. on April 7, 2015 when he passed into eternal rest. He is preceded in death by his parents, son and six sisters. Those left to cherish his memory include his daughter, Jowell (Rodney Jackson) Coates of Aurora, CO; sisters, Gravelee Morrison of Alabama and Mary Williams of Cleveland, OH; six grandchildren and a host of great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends. Rest in peace...Tolly