WILLIAM MITTEN COATS Jr.

I worked with Bill's daughter Ann at Baylor College of Medicine a number of years ago and had the pleasure of meeting him on several occasions. Ann talked about his passion and commitment to the Trees for Houston project & her pleasure with helping him on many projects was evident. He was a wonderful advocate for our city and will be greatly missed.

Deanna Cuello

I only met Bill at Frances' wedding years ago, but I remembered his calm demeanor and his quiet intelligence. Celebrate a good man who lived a good life... with purpose.

I am reading the entries in the guest book and while I didn't know Bill, some of what I think is great about Houston passed through his caring hands.
If strangers feel bettered by his contributions how rewarded his family and friends must feel about the blessing his life has been.

Bob Longoria

From Citizens for Good Schools in 1967 to Trees for Houston in 2005 our paths crossed in organizations that have given permanently positive directions to our city. Bill always seemed to find a lasting organizational response to a need he recognized in our environment. He will be missed, but not forgotten. His presence remains.

I am honored to be a part of such a wonderful man's family. He will be missed by many but his legacy will live forever. Much Love to my cousins and aunt who Bill is survived by.

I knew Bill professionally, and as a fellow member of Braeburn Country Club. As a lawyer, he was a vigorous advocate and a formidable adversary, but never allowed his zeal for his clients to result in rancor with opposing lawyers. One of my fondest memories as a lawyer was a hearing that Bill and I had in Judge Rosenthal's court on cross motions for summary judgment. After arguing the motions, Judge Rosenthal asked if there was anyway for us to settle the case, and Bill volunteered that we...

Billy was a wonderful friend and close neighbor in Greenville, Texas. Many of my female friends remember him as a sweetheart and a wonderful dancer. He will make Heaven much more fun.

how wonderful to have known Bill, what an interesting, strong, and creative man. Sharing the work of getting the Friends of Hermann Park going was one of the highlights of my life. Nancy, I smile when I remember our times together. I'm thinking of you now as Bill leaves your life: may you find in the emptiness a deep source that will continue to fill your life. Deborah Rylander (Boulder, CO)

Bill's remarkable combination of professional competence and commitment to visionary civic leadership inspired so many to recognize Houston's natural beauty and to join and further the mission of organizations that would not exist without his tenacity and leadership. I am so grateful to have known him.