Bruce Coats

Benson, NC:  Mr. Bruce Aaron Coats, age 87, of 6217 Raleigh Road died Saturday at his home.  Funeral service will be 11:00AM Tuesday at Rose & Graham Funeral Home Chapel in Benson.  Officiating will be Rev. Pete Norris and Dr. Paul Rowland.  Burial will follow in Rehobeth Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery.             Mr. Coats, a native of Johnston County, was born on December 2, 1928, to the late Bennie A. and Eva  C. Coats.  He was also preceded in death by his wife, Jean Jordan Coats; a son, Stanley Bruce Coats; and sisters, Ruth Keith and Edna Benson.  Mr. Coats served in the U. S. Army during the Korean Conflict.  He coached baseball and basketball at Cleveland High School from 1954 to 1969 and continued at South Johnston High School until his retirement in 1984. Coach Coats was also the athletic director and an assistant principal at South Johnston High School.  Mr. Coats was a member of Berea Presbyterian Church where he served in many capacities.             He is survived by his daughters, Kay Surles & husband, Sammy, of Four Oaks and Wendy Coats of Benson; son, Steve Coats & wife, Elaine, of Albemarle; daughter-in-law, Joyce Coats Smith & husband, Lee, of Roanoke Rapids; special nephew, Jimmy Benson & wife, Elaine, of Benson; grandchildren, Stan Coats, II & wife, Kelly, Kristen S. Batchelor, Kara S. Cullom and husband, Chris, Jordi Coats, Samantha Surles, and Austin Coats; great grandchildren, Mary Margaret Coats, Lauren Coats, Addison Coats, Kaylee Batchelor, Jake Batchelor, Bryson Cullom, and Easton Cullom; and beloved dog, Spook.                Family will receive friends at Rose & Graham Funeral Home in Benson from 5:00PM to 8:00PM Monday.             Flowers are welcomed; however, memorials may be made to Berea Presbyterian Church, 10379 NC Hwy 210, Four Oaks, NC  27524 or to South Johnston Athletic Department, 10381 US 301, Four Oaks, NC  27524.