Book of Memories for William "Abe" C. Coates

Story shared: Caught Smoking in the Boy's Room.

Tue, 17 Oct 2023 16:35:42 EDT

1971 /72...Mr. Coats caught me smoking in the boys room twice in the same day...He looked down his nose at me and said " Your having a bad day...get to class before I change my mind." What a great man !!!

Brownsville Station ~ Smokin' In The Boys Room (1973) - YouTube

Rest in peace my friend,

Mike Adams Class of 1972

Story shared: A "presidential" visit.

Mon, 26 Aug 2013 10:51:45 EDT

As a freshman in high school, I was unsure of everything and felt out of place. We were assembled in the auditorium to hear a few words from the Principal. He was suddenly interrupted by "Abraham Lincoln". The laughter erupted immediately from all of us, when we realized that the actor playing the part was actually one of the teachers. I have never met anyone who could be more approachable and scholarly at the same time. He was definitely, one of the teachers we will always remember.

Condolence From joan pannell womble

Tue, 18 Sep 2012 18:49:55 EDT

I remember Coach Coates from my days in Oscar Smith High School. He was a great Civics teacher and outstanding basketball coach. He married the prettiest girl on Virginia Avenue... I know they have had a good life together. He will be missed and remembered by many . Thank goodness for the internet that connects friends and keep those who live far away informed of events that touch us all. My prayers are for family and friends. graduate 1960

Condolence From Betty Harris

Mon, 17 Sep 2012 09:21:36 EDT

Hi Gayle: This is Betty Odell Harris. Thinking of you and I understand. I lost Ken last year. Thinking of you and your family. Love to all of you

Story shared: "Get out of that hole!"

Thu, 13 Sep 2012 15:20:07 EDT

There wasn't much you could count on in high school, but I could always count on Mr. Coates greeting me with a smile and those teasing words. For those of you who haven't met me, I am almost 5'0". My reply was always, "Get off of that chair!" because he was SO tall. I will also remember how kind and fair he was. How much he seemed to care about his students and to love his job! I'll also remember him driving his Model A car.

Condolence From Larry Tatem

Mon, 10 Sep 2012 19:14:06 EDT

Very sorry to hear that Mr. Coates has passed away. I played basketball at Smith High School for Mr. Coates during the 1965/1966 basketball season. I enjoyed playing for him and always respected him as a coach and teacher. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.

Condolence From Frank Goforth

Fri, 07 Sep 2012 18:22:29 EDT

Gayle so sorry to hear about Abe he was a remarkable person. I think most of us who graduated from Oscar Smith were in his Senior Civics Class. I always enjoyed taking with him in later years when we would be at church. I hope you are doing well. I understand your place and the journey that you have begun. It comes with mixed feelings of joy and sadness as we remember the past times together with sincere thanks. Please remember that your friends are holding you in prayer for each day. Please express our to Ann and Chuck. Best wishes Frank Goforth

Condolence From Craig, Michelle, Craig Jr., Joseph, Benjamin, Daniel, and Jonathan Welsh

Fri, 07 Sep 2012 12:28:43 EDT

Our thoughts and prayers are with Mrs. Coates and the Cherry family at this time. We are grieving with you at the loss of your wonderful husband, father, father-in-law, and grandfather. We are rejoicing with you about all the joy he brough during his life, and that he has finished his race well and is with his Lord and Savior. We remember his thoughtfulness, his love, and his kindness. He helped shape the lives of Ann, Chuck, and Caleb Cherry, and we appreciate them very much. They have been a wonderful part of our lives for over 14 years. Mr. Coates spent seeing to the needs of his family as well as many others. He is and will be missed. Our love and prayers go to Mrs. Coates, Ann, Chuck, and Caleb. May God richly bless you and comfort you at this time. Love, The Welsh Family

Story shared: Abe's Carvings

Thu, 06 Sep 2012 21:32:38 EDT

Abe was a beautiful craftsman with his wood carvings. One of our most cherished objects is the Mother Mary on the donkey being led by Joseph...depicting the journey into Bethlehem.....it is so special, we keep it out all year round.....now it will have a more special meaning in the years to come. Such a big heart and kind person as well. He will be missed but forever remembered in such a special way. God bless, brother Abe.

Condolence From Keith & Mary Ann Rowe

Thu, 06 Sep 2012 18:36:13 EDT

Gayle, out thoughts and prayers go out to you. Abe will be missed but it was a honor to have known him.

Condolence From The Hartline Family

Thu, 06 Sep 2012 18:29:18 EDT

We extend our deepest sympathies at this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Condolence From Cheryl Phelps Bucenell

Thu, 06 Sep 2012 13:02:05 EDT

Ann & family, A sunset on earth means a sunrise in heaven. May God surround you with peace, strength and comfort during this difficult time. We all have so many pleasant memories of Mr. Coates at OFS! But I also know what it's like to lose a father. May you find comfort knowing he was so well respected and made a positive impact on every life he touched. Well done, my faithful servant. Our loss is heaven's gain and we will one day reunite with our loved ones. What a glorius day that will be. Cheryl, Curtiss, Michael Phelps and families

Condolence From Donna J. Brown (Stowe)

Thu, 06 Sep 2012 12:55:37 EDT

Mr. Coates was a very special person and will be very greatly missed. I cried when he retired and again when I heard that he had passed. My thoughts are with you all during this time and my eternal thanks for sharing him with us, the many students that he helped and inspired throughout his career.

Condolence From Brian and Carol Hall

Wed, 05 Sep 2012 18:08:48 EDT

Gayle, we are so sorry to hear about Abe's passing. But so grateful to have been a part of his extended family. Both you and Abe have made such a positive difference in our lives and the lives of our children Catherine and Melanie. We will all miss "Mr. Abe" very much.

Condolence From Donna & Donnie Foster

Wed, 05 Sep 2012 12:09:33 EDT

Dear Gayle & Family: We were saddened to learn of Clayton's passing. We so enjoyed our visits back years ago when you would come up to Virgina and Betty Lou & Bob's. They were good times and the the memories will live on. We will uplift all of you in our prayers. Our love and thoughts are with you, Donna & Donnie

Condolence From RoseMary Groome

Wed, 05 Sep 2012 11:41:21 EDT

Gayle, I am so sorry to hear of Abe's passing. My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult times. I remembered him (and you) from Rosemont Christian Church and Oscar Smith. Because he was so tall, my family used to tease him for his liken of "Abe Lincoln". He will be missed......RoseMary Groome

Condolence From Diana Fitzgerald Holton

Wed, 05 Sep 2012 11:26:43 EDT

I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with your family during this difficult time. I along with my older sister and brother graduated from Oscar Smith and had the honor of him teaching/advising us during high school. He was a very special man and educator who cared deeply for his students. He will missed by all who had the pleasure of meeting him.

Condolence From Richard Milteer

Wed, 05 Sep 2012 08:26:20 EDT

Gayle, my heart was broken to learn of "Abe's" death. Oh so many wonderful memories of OFSHS and what an incredible coach and person he was. A very special memory of Abe was my Mother saying how he always helped her at Rosemont and how wonderful he was to her and to Ken Hollomon. My thoughts, prayers and love are with you and your family at this difficult time.

Condolence From James and Diane Bocock

Wed, 05 Sep 2012 04:18:31 EDT

I was greatly saddened to hear of the passing of Mr. Coates. I was a student of Mr.Coates very early in his career when he taught Government at Oscar Smith High School. I graduated in 1958 and still recall his class and things I learned and remember these many years later! Mr. Coates was a very special man who touched the lives of many people in a positive way as teacher, coach, and administrator. He was a tall impressive, yet quiet spoken man. A number of years later, I was taking a graduate course and recognized Mr. Coates was taking the class as well. We spoke and I was surprised he not only recognized me but remembered my name. I was just talking to my brother a few weeks ago about our school days and found that he had Mr. Coates for his teacher about ten years after I did. Mr. Coates was a good man who made an important contribution to his community. He will be missed. Our sincere condolences go to Gayle and all of the family. Jim and Diane Bocock

Condolence From Lloyd Edmonds

Tue, 04 Sep 2012 19:59:25 EDT

My dear tall freind, you will never be forgotten! You always brought joy to our Sunday school class! I am sad to see you leave this place but happy that you have made it to a place of No Pain and Suffering! We Will Meet Again!! I Love You Brother Abe!! Say hello to your angels in heaven!! GOD IS WITH YOU!!

Condolence From Patty Rhodes

Tue, 04 Sep 2012 19:29:15 EDT

I'm so sorry for your loss. Mr. Coates was such a good, kind man. As a student at OFS (class of '72), I looked up to him and held him in high regard. I've no doubt that he had the same effect on many others. May all your memories keep him close in your heart.

Condolence From Larry and Gloria Williams

Tue, 04 Sep 2012 19:06:46 EDT

Thoughts and prayers for Abe, Gayle and the Family. We are so sorry to hear this news.:( <3 Love to All, Larry and Gloria Williams

Story shared: A wonderful man that will be missed by many.

Tue, 04 Sep 2012 17:34:09 EDT

Former student Graduated from OSHS in 1993. I'm so sorry to hear this! He taught my father Government when he went to OSHS and when my Dad found out Mr. Coates was going to be the Assistant Principal when I started going there, he was excited. My Dad told me many stories and that he was a great teacher. I was just recently telling my kids about him the other day. I still can't believe he has passed away. He was a wonderful man. I remember when I was on the bus getting ready to go to Chesapeake Center for Science & Technology and somebody made me mad. I cussed at them so the bus driver wrote me up. Mr. Coates came to get me off the bus and said "I remember your father, I taught him Government. Don't let me catch you doing this again and he ripped my referral up." I used to talk to him & Detective Louer everyday at lunch time. Those are times I still remember to this day because he always had a smile on his face along with something positive to say and he never forgot to tell you to do your best in school. He will be missed dearly by many. My thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time! he was a good man. I remember when I was on the bus getting ready to go to Votech and somebody made me mad, I cussed at them so the bus driver wrote me up. Mr. Coates came to get me off the bus and said "I remember your father, I taught him Government. Don't let me catch you cussing again and he ripped my referral up." I used to talk to him & Detective Louer everyday at lunch time.

Condolence From Steve Dail

Tue, 04 Sep 2012 17:26:33 EDT

Ann, I am so sorry to hear about your father. Even before I knew you he was one of my favorite people. He was one of my best teachers and coaches that I had at Smith. And I will always cherish our talk together last year about the old days. I cannot come to the service due to looking after Troy's dogs but you will be in my thoughts and prayers at all times.

Condolence From Glenn L. Koonce

Tue, 04 Sep 2012 17:11:28 EDT

Abe was such a joy to work with as a member of the administrative team at Oscar Smith High School. Not only did he know everybody in the community, he trusted and respected them. Students came to him for guidance and to help them solve problems. Faculty, staff and community did the same. I was honored to do the same because I valued his integrity, his humor and his love. We trusted him and he never let us down. He carved for me a wooded boot that has sit on my desk now for 22 years. Maybe I'll take it Heaven with me so we can share it again. Bye Abe.

Condolence From Angela Bell

Tue, 04 Sep 2012 16:47:57 EDT

Anne and family, so sorry for your loss. Mr. Coates was a special man who always had time for any student at OFS. Thoughts and prayers are with your family. Angela Pietrucci Bell

Condolence From Kristen Cooper

Tue, 04 Sep 2012 16:47:19 EDT

Dear Ann, Chuck, and Caleb, You have my deepest sympathy. I know your father/grandfather was a great blessing in your life, and touched the life of so many. He has certainly been a great support to the StoneBridge family and will be missed. May his life of service to family, our nation, and Jesus be ever celebrated! Most sincerely, Kristen Cooper

Condolence From Christine (Joyce) Miller

Tue, 04 Sep 2012 16:38:00 EDT

Mr. Coates was one of my favorite teachers. He had such a good sense of humor and truly cared about us students. My children attended OFS while he was an assistant pricipal. He was kind to them as well. Fond memories are left from him. May the Lord comfort his family and friends through his passing. See you in heaven someday Mr. Coates.

Condolence From james fentress, jr.

Tue, 04 Sep 2012 14:47:34 EDT

Gail and Ann, Thank you for sharing Abe with us. I will always smile when I think of him. I feel blessed to have known this kind and gentle giant. Our thoughts and prayers are with you in his passing and going forward. Sincerely, Fentress Family Jr.

Condolence From Dana Kemp Tysor

Tue, 04 Sep 2012 14:04:59 EDT

Gary and I are so sorry to hear of Abe's passing. Gail, you were always fun to talk with at family gatherings and I remember Abe as well standing and smiling. I remember him being very tall and handsome. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Dana Kemp Tysor and Gary Tysor (Bill's old neighbor)

Condolence From June Rose Hudgins

Tue, 04 Sep 2012 13:46:50 EDT

My thoughts and prayers are with the family during this difficult time. God bless.

Story shared: Former Student-1971

Tue, 04 Sep 2012 13:27:45 EDT

I was born and raised in South Norfolk. I was fortunate to have Mr. Coates for Government. What a great teacher and such a nice man. I remember he had a great sense of humor as well. What a great impact he made on a lot of students in his lifetime. Well done faithful servant. Bonnie Cornette Revell

Condolence From Cindy and Brittany Thornhill

Tue, 04 Sep 2012 11:17:47 EDT

Anne and the Coates Family- From the bottom of my heart, I would like to send you our sincerest sympathies. Clayton was a wonderful person and caring man. We loved his stories when he came to visit especially about basketball. He is leaving a wonderful legacy.

Condolence From Cindy Coates Jones and family

Tue, 04 Sep 2012 11:17:16 EDT

Clayton always had a smile on his face. My last remembrance of him was at the motel when I came to visit him and Gayle. He looked so much like my dad. It brought me so much pleasure to be in his company. He was without a doubt a great man. God Bless you all.

Condolence From William Dunn

Tue, 04 Sep 2012 10:56:23 EDT

So sorry to learn of Abe's passing. He was a great person and always had a good comment when ever we met. He will be missed.

Condolence From Frank & Barbara Caputo

Tue, 04 Sep 2012 10:55:46 EDT

We are so saddened by Abe's passing. We did not know him that long, but he left a lasting impression on our lives. Blessings to the Coates family and let us all draw strength knowing he is with his Savior and ours. Frank and Barbara

Condolence From Deborah Forwood Hocut

Tue, 04 Sep 2012 10:49:52 EDT

My husband Daniel and I were teachers at Oscar Smith (and I graduated class of 1977). We remember Abe fondly. We cherish a beautiful wooden box he made for us as a wedding gift. Each day we see that treasure and think of him. He will be so greatly missed.

Condolence From Kathy Mahone

Tue, 04 Sep 2012 10:03:22 EDT

Thank you so much for all you did for our school. There are so many stories and fond memories.....you will be greatly missed. Rest in peace my friend. Much love and prayers to your family.

Condolence From Terry Keeling

Tue, 04 Sep 2012 07:31:25 EDT

Our loss is heaven's gain. Abe's smile and laugh are my best memories of a man I considered a friend. A life well lived is his legacy to us.

Story shared: Big Heart Kind heart

Tue, 04 Sep 2012 07:16:40 EDT

Abe was such a joy to talk to. He always had a funny viewpoint to offer and a story to go along with it. He was a big man but not near so big in stature as he was in soul. It was always a treat to get to hear Abe share something in the Winning Walk class because you knew at the end you were going to be smiling. He was a great man and has left a hole in my heart. To day he is by the side of Jesus!

Condolence From Win Culpeper

Mon, 03 Sep 2012 23:18:41 EDT

In the journey of life, we meet many people. There are a few that leave strong positive impressions. My friend and collegue Abe Coates was such a man. I miss him already.

Story shared: Mr. Coats

Mon, 03 Sep 2012 21:48:54 EDT

What a wonderful kind hearted man.Never saw him without a smile or kind word. My prayers to your Mrs. Coats and daughter Ann.

Condolence From Kim Dunphy Murphy

Mon, 03 Sep 2012 21:29:45 EDT

Mr. Coates was one of the AP's my first year teaching at OFS. (1992) I have nothing but sweet memories of a dear man who ALWAYS looked out for me...a 22 year old, young lady, from New York. I could always tell his words were seasoned with much wisdom. And, although he never tried to "crush" my dreams, he wanted me to live in reality. For MY sake. Teaching at Oscar Smith was almost never easy...but that's not why we were there...and, certainly NOT why Mr. Coates was there. Can't wait to reunite in eternity, under One Lord, Jesus Christ.

Condolence From Wendy McAllister Callahan

Mon, 03 Sep 2012 21:29:31 EDT

To the family of this wonderful man: I wish you many hugs and lots of love. I pray for you the strength of God Himself to carry you through. I pray for you to be swamped in love and peace at this time. Mr Coates was a wonderful administrator when I was at OFS.

Condolence From Jewel Boone

Mon, 03 Sep 2012 21:08:33 EDT

I am truly blessed to have had Abe as a teacher, co-worker and friend. He touched so many people with his kindness and humor. RIP Abe, you will be missed more than you will ever know.

Condolence From Maryellen Perry Reigel

Mon, 03 Sep 2012 21:07:54 EDT

Anne and the Coates family, My deepest sympathy to your whole family. Your dad touch so many peoples lives. He will be missed by so many who knew him. May GOD bring you much comfort and peace at this difficult time. Keeping you in prayer

Condolence From Vickie Clewis Sparrow

Mon, 03 Sep 2012 20:46:55 EDT

So Sorry to hear of your passing ,I have many memories from my high school days.you will be missed by so many.many god hold you in his arms

Condolence From Linda Perry

Mon, 03 Sep 2012 20:38:37 EDT

Mr. Coates was the best Asst. Pincipal ever! I can remember the many times he came to find me at Earls or Franks because I was late coming back after lunch. Or the many times I was called to his office and he would always listen and understand my side. He believed in me when so many others didn't. Thank you Mr. Coates! You will always be cherished and remembered. My heart and deepest sympathy is with the family as they mourn the loss of their special loved one. He was loved by all of us!

Condolence From Pam Boush Taylor and Bobby Taylor

Mon, 03 Sep 2012 20:33:07 EDT

My thoughts and prayers are with the Coates family at this time. Mr. Coates was a wonderful man and a true inspiration for all of us at Oscar Smith. I remember him well from Rosemont Christian Church and his guidance at Oscar Smith.

Condolence From Janie Dobbs Payne-Mobley

Mon, 03 Sep 2012 20:28:02 EDT

I am so sorry to hear of Mr. Coates passing. He was my Goverment teacher at Oscar Smith High School. He was a great man and he will be missed. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.

Story shared: Where do you start?

Mon, 03 Sep 2012 20:24:37 EDT

There are too many to tell! I loved him! He made such an impression on me I can't begin to say! He was a riot and a joy to be with. My girlfriend and I were juse talking about him last Wednesday. Loved him.

Photo shared: Coates_001.jpg

Mon, 03 Sep 2012 11:16:53 EDT