Eddie Lee Coats

Eddie Lee Coats age 78, of Harrison, formally of Pine Bluff and Rison, died, Friday, April 27, 2012. He was born August 25, 1933 in New Edinburg, a son of the late Alvie and Ruthie Simmons Coats. Mr. Coats served in the United States Navy. He retired from the Dollarway School District where he was a School Bus Mechanic. Mr. Coats was also previously employed with the Pine Bluff Police Department. He was an avid bowler for over fifty years, and was a Christian and enjoyed gospel music. Mr. Coats was also preceded in death by his wife, Charlotte June Coats; son, Fredrick Thacker; two brothers, Leon Coats and Thomas Coats. Mr. Coats is survived by one son and daughter-in-law, Dr. James and Dr. Terri Coats of Harrison; two daughters and sons-in-law, Linda and Alvin Byrd of Benton, Renee and Ray Green of Pine Bluff; three sisters, Louise Jones of Pine Bluff, Nina Gentry of Farmington, Missouri, Clara Hammonds of Lago Vista, Texas; nine grandchildren and six great grandchildren. Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, May 1, 2012 at Buie Funeral Home with his grandson, Pastor Jeremy Coats officiating. Burial will follow in Greenwood Cemetery. Visitation will be from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m., prior to service. Pallbearers are Tommy Jones, Jonathon Coats, Kenny Green, Billy Green, Lewis Gentry and Jim Jones. Memorials made be made to Gideon's International, P. O. Box 216, Rison, Arkansas 71665. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Buie Funeral Home of Rison (870) 325-6216.