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Lonnel Coats

1932 - 2016

Lonnel Coats obituary, 1932-2016, Cataula, GA

BORN

1932

DIED

2016

FUNERAL HOME

Progressive Funeral Home - Columbus

4235 St Mary's Rd

Columbus, Georgia

Lonnel Coats Obituary

Lonnel
Coats
October 2, 1932-
February 11, 2016
Cataula, GA- CSM Ret. Lonnel Coats, age 83, resident of Cataula, died on Thursday, February 11, 2016 at St. Francis Hospital, Columbus, Georgia, surrounded by family, friends and lo ved ones.
Funeral Services are scheduled at Cusseta Road Church Of Christ, 3013 Cusseta Road, Columbus, Georgia 31903, on Wednesday, February 17, 2016, at 12:00 Noon with Minister Elliott C. Glasgow officiating. The family will receive friends today, February 16, 2016 at Progressive Funeral Home, Inc., 4235 St. Mary's Road, Columbus, Georgia 31907 from 2:00 til 5:00 P.M.
CSM Ret. Coats, son of the late Ezell and Molester Smith Coats, was born October 2, 1932, along with his twin sister Annel, in Laurens County, Georgia. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army and served our country honorably(including the Korean War and two tours to Vietnam), for 30 years before retiring as Sergeant Major for the U.S. Army Infantry Board, Fort Benning, Georgia in June 1980, and later retiring after 12 years of civil service from the U.S. Army Military Police Activity, Fort Benning, Georgia. CSM Coats earned the Bronze Star Medal for heroic action, the Korean Service Medal(2 campaigns), Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry w/Palm, Soldier's Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Presidential Unit Citation, Combat Infantryman's Badge(2nd Award), Master Parachutist Badge, Meritorious Service Medal(1st OLC), United Nations Service Award, National Defense Service Medal(1st OLC), Good Conduct Medal(8th Award), 5 Overseas Bars, and the Meritorious Unit Citation. He was a member of the Triple Nickel and Disabled American Veterans and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Most endeared accomplishment was his addition to the Cusseta Road Church Of Christ.
Other than his parents, CSM Coats was preceded in death by his three sisters, Annel Clark, Verner Coats and Carrie Coats; three brothers, David, Clinton and James Coats. He is survived by his loving and dedicated wife of 32 plus years, Savanna Coats; one brother, Isiah(Mildred)Coats, children: Lawrence, Ronald, Timothy and Heinz Coats; Kenneth(Cydonna)Gray and Alena Shealey; god daughters, Mary Hockaday and Catherine Holmes; eleven grandchildren including Shannon, Lonie, Chenoa, Holly, Cassandra, Ronald, Jr., Kenneth II, Carmen, Christopher, Kayce and Justin; and a host of great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other family members and friends.
The family would like tom extend a special thank you to his caretaker, Teresa Hinton who took extra special care of him during his illness, and a special niece, April Jones who has been assisting him for the last three years.
The cortege will depart from the residence, 264 Pintail Drive, Cataula, at 11:00 A.M. on the day of the service. Arrangements entrusted to Progressive Funeral Home, Inc. "A Touch Of Dignity For Those Who Care." Online condolences may be expressed at progressivefuneralhome.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Ledger-Enquirer on Feb. 16, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Lonnel Coats

Sponsored by Columbus Ledger-Enquirer.

Not sure what to say?





Russell Pieper

September 1, 2019

I am just learning CSM Coats passed away. I met him when I joined the 197th Infantry Brigade in 1976. He was my 1st Sgt and was later promoted to Sergeant Major. Lonnel was a great friend during that time. I fixed his motorcycle and he invited me to eat dinner. He was one of the few in the command that actually cared for people. The lessons he taught me served me well in life. Lonnel was one of the most honorable people I ever met. I agree with everyone that he is with God now. "FOREVER FORWARD" Thank you, Lonnel.

CSM (Ret) Harold Hunt Sr.

February 17, 2016

Once again God saw the road was getting rough, and the road of life had become too hard to for CSM Lonnel Coats to travel and called him home. You remind us, Lord, through Solomon that to everything there is a season. We thank You for the earthly life You gave to this sergeant major and for the blessing during the sojourn here on the earth. We most especially thank You for the new life You granted this sergeant major in Jesus Christ. He broke the bonds of death by His resurrection. We rejoice at the hope of being reunited with him in the resurrection of all flesh. The NCO Corps thanks him for his selfless service act and his willingness to defend of America and all that we hold sacred. I believe for every fallen sergeant major like him there is a star shining brightly up above to remind us of the precious gift God has given the Corps. Rest easy, sleep well my brother. Know the line was held, your job is done. Rest easy, sleep well. Others have taken up where you fell, the line has held. Peace, peace, and farewell

CSM (Ret) Harold Hunt Sr.
Author, 100 Sergeants Major of Color
SGM (Ret) Harold L. Hunt Jr.
CSM (Ret) Shirley A. Hunt
& the entire Hunt family

February 17, 2016

Rest in peace my dear uncle. You will truly be missed. Tell Ma I said Hi.

Beranna

Annie Stoudemire

February 17, 2016

RIP: May you arrive into the loving arm of the Lord, who is waiting with outstretched arms to welcome you home. God's peace reign over your family with His magnificent love!

February 17, 2016

Savannah and Kenny, Please accept my condolences for the passing of your husband and father, respectively. You and your family will continuously be in my prayers. Love you! Vangie Dickerson Powell and Family

Delwin Johnson

February 17, 2016

My sincere condolences to the family of Brother Coats. A great man of God who has finished his course on this earth. I pray God covers you all with his arms of comfort during this difficult time.

Leola Cooks

February 17, 2016

Sorry that I cannot be with you today, but know that my thoughts and prayers are with you. Continue to look unto him who is able to do all things. Love you Savannah and family. From your cousin Leola Cooks of Union Springs, Alabama.

Carolyn Evans

February 17, 2016

Savanna, my thoughts and prayers will continue to be with you and the family.

R E Anderson

February 16, 2016

Savanna, you and your family have my deepest condolences! May the love, grace and mercy from our heavenly Father be a solace to you all during this time; may the memories of your life shared be a comforting spirit he leaves with you! You and the family are in my prayers and thoughts today and here out. You take of yourself, you will see him again as God has allowed us to be in His fold of eternal life! God be with you! Love, your sister in Christ.....
Sis. Ruth Sparks-Anderson

Gayle Durham (DaVita)

February 16, 2016

Savanna, you and your family are in my prayers. I didn't get the chance to meet your husband but I'm sure he was a great man and will be missed. May God give you peace and complete healing!

Julie Lisi

February 16, 2016

Savanna and family, my thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time.

Showing 1 - 12 of 12 results

Make a Donation
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Memorial Events
for Lonnel Coats

Feb

16

Visitation

2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Progressive Funeral Home - Columbus

4235 St Mary's Rd, Columbus, GA 31907

Feb

17

Memorial Gathering

11:00 a.m.

264 Pintail Drive, Cataula, GA

Feb

17

Funeral service

12:00 p.m.

Cusseta Road Church Of Christ

3013 Cusseta Road, Columbus, GA

Funeral services provided by:

Progressive Funeral Home - Columbus

4235 St Mary's Rd, Columbus, GA 31907

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