Benjamin Amos “Benjie” Coats
Services for Benjamin Amos “Benjie” Coats were Tuesday, May 25, 2021, at 2:00 p.m. from McClain-Hays Chapel with Bro. Mack Alford officiating. Burial followed in Mt. Carmel Baptist Church Cemetery in Neshoba County. McClain-Hays Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Mr. Coats, 64, of Philadelphia, died Saturday, May 22, 2021, at Anderson Regional Medical Center.
He was a native and lifelong resident of Neshoba County. After graduating from Neshoba Central High School, he received his Associate Degree from EMCC and then attended USM in Hattiesburg where he earned his Bachelor of Science Degree. During college he began his career at WHOC Radio Station. He worked for Neshoba County as Emergency Management Director and retired as County Administrator. He was currently employed by WHOC/WWSL Radio Stations in Philadelphia. Mr. Coats was a member of Mt. Carmel Baptist Church.
He enjoyed learning and talking about the history of Neshoba County, picking antiques, repairing vintage clocks and radios, and spending time with family and friends.
He is survived by his wife, Reina Coats; furbaby, Eva Kay; sister and brother-in-laws, Lena Coats of Anniston, Alabama; Judy Coats of Philadelphia; Robbie & Pam Cheatham of Philadelphia; Kevin & Jackie Cheatham of Philadelphia; nephews, nieces, and their families, Ross, Jessica & Thomas Cheatham of Philadelphia; Ben, Kate & Scottie Cheatham of Flowood; Caroline Cheatham of Philadelphia; Steve & Dana Coats of Birmingham, Alabama; Joey & Patricia Coats of Collinsville; Pam & Don Cunningham of Stratton; James & Vicki Coats of Philadelphia; Jeffery & Consuelo Coats of Philadelphia; Jennifer & Joe Maxwell of Dothan, Alabama; Mark & Deana Coats of Charleston, South Carolina; Apryle & Richard Mather of Mobile, Alabama.
Mr. Coats was preceded in death by parents, Ethel J. & Ruthie Mae Shepherd Coats; brothers, Carl Junior, Grady, Joe, and Tommy Coats; sister, Carrie Sharp; niece, Pene Coats; and great-nephew, Anderson Coats.
Pallbearers were Eric Clark, Dale Joyner, John King, Tommy Smith, Mike Tingle, Ben Cheatham, Ross Cheatham, David Vowell, Tommy Waddell, and Wyatt Waddell. Honorary pallbearers were J. Max Kilpatrick, Joe Vines, and WHOC/WWSL Radio Station Families past and present.