Willie Coats

Celebrating the life of Willie Coats

Willie Coats, 81 of Amarillo, Texas departed this life on Sunday, November 1, 2020. He was born to the late Earnest and Wilhelmenia Coats.

After graduating from high school he enlisted in the United States Air Force, Later he re-enlisted in the U.S. Army with an honorable discharge. His rank was that of an officer. Willie was also stationed in Vietnam with the 1st Cavalry Division, Korea, Bermuda. Willie had a passion for the military. He earned his ticket to college through the military where he learned "how to live". He entered technical school for engine maintenance on U.S. aircraft traveling to Georgia Air Force Base in California Mojave Desert, working with crash crews and structural fires. Willie continued on his journey as a firefighter within the service. He received many medals during his tours and his favorite was for rifle sharp shooting. As Willie completed the military he traveled to Amarillo and met the love of his life, Ruby. The were married shortly afterwards. Willie continued his career in truck driving until retirement which he truly enjoyed.

He leaves to cherish his memories to his wife, Ruby of 25 years; his sister, Barbara and husband Early of Lancaster, Texas; his brothers Dewitt and wife Marty and Douglas and wife Jo Ann all of Albuquerque, New Mexico; his children, Daryal Williams and wife Endell of Orlando, Florida and Sharon Williams of Amarillo, Texas; his six grandchildren, Courtney, Chelsy, Brandon Johnson of Amarillo, Texas, Talisha Aleman of Houston, Texas, and LaNesha Baines, Daralyn Williams of Gladewater, Texas, and his eleven great- grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents and by two of his brothers, Phillip Coats and Earnest Jr.