Wilson Coats

Mr. Wilson Lee Coats, age 88, of 302 West Hatcher Street, Four Oaks died Thursday at Springbrook Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in Clayton.  Funeral services will be 3:00PM Sunday at Rose & Graham Funeral Chapel in Four Oaks.  Family will receive friends 1:30PM - 2:45PM prior to the service at Rose and Graham Funeral Home in Four Oaks. Officiating will be Rev. Joey Yow.  Burial will follow in Four Oaks City Cemetery.             Mr. Coats was born January 16, 1928 in Johnston County to the late Dewey and Annie Temple Coats.  He  was also preceded in death by his wife, Norvelle "Lee" Wiggs Coats; sisters, Christine Davis, Helen Barefoot, Margaret Carpenter; and brother, Joseph Dewey Coats, Jr.  Mr. Coats was a Navy Veteran and served on the USS Wells 628 during WWII.  He was a member of the Four Oaks American Legion.  He was a sales manager with the News & Observer for 25 years.  He attended Four Oaks United Methodist Church.             Surviving are sons and daughter-in-law, Alfred Coats and Wilson Coats, Jr. both of Four Oaks, Tracy and Leigh Ann Coats of Clayton; step-children and spouse, Jay and Cathy Whitley of Lexington, Scott Whitley of Four Oaks; nine grandchildren; ten great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.             Flowers are welcomed; however, memorials may be directed to Four Oaks United Methodist Church, PO Box 177, Four Oaks, NC 27524.             Arrangements by Rose & Graham Funeral Home in Four Oaks.            Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.roseandgraham.com.