George Coates

McGee's Crossroads, NC:  Mr. George Ezra Coates, age 90, founder of Coates Grading Company, died Monday, January 19, 2015. Funeral services will be 11:00AM Wednesday, January 21, 2015, at St. Mary's Original Free Will Baptist Church. Officiating will be Rev. David Langley and Rev. Billy Nowell. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.          Mr. Coates was born September 26, 1924 in Johnston County to the late Thomas Daniel and Sarah Coats Coates. He was preceded in death by his wife, Helen Roberts Coates. Mr. Coates was a member of St. Mary's Original FW Baptist Church and served in many capacities.   He was on the board of directors of the 50-210 Fire Department and of the 50-210 EMS.       Surviving are children and spouses, Ann & Randy Benson of McGee's Crossroads, Danny & Paula Coates of Benson, and Mike & Willa Bea Coates of Willow Spring; sister, Erlene C. Wheeler of Clayton; grandchildren & spouse, Brandy Jernigan, Bradley & Sarah Coates, Brett Coates, Austin Benson, and Mary-Michael Coates; great grandchildren, Scotty Jernigan, Emma Grace Coates, and Charlotte Isabelle Coates; and special nieces and nephews.         The family will receive friends 6:00PM-8:00PM Tuesday, January 20, 2015, at Rose & Graham Funeral Home in Benson and other times at the home.          Flowers are welcomed; however, memorials may be made to 50-210 Fire Department, 50 Greenleaf Road, Angier, NC  27501, 50-210 EMS, 52 Greenleaf Road, Angier, NC  27501, or to one's favorite charity.