Edwin Smith Coates

Edwin Smith Coates, 98, of Springmoor Retirement Community in Raleigh, NC peacefully passed away on Sunday, May 5, 2024. He is survived by his loving wife of 72 1/2 years, Goldie Knowles Coates. Edwin was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, teacher, traveler, visionary and friend.

Born on March 24, 1926, Edwin was the son of the late Lula Smith Coates and Joseph Bezzell Coates, of Smithfield, NC. The family was active in the Pisgah Baptist Church, where Edwin made his profession of faith in Jesus. He attended Smithfield Elementary School and Smithfield High School, graduating in 1943. Shortly after graduation, Edwin enlisted in the Navy and served in the Pacific. Upon returning home, he attended North Carolina State University and graduated in 1951 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Agricultural Engineering.

Edwin's distinguished professional career began shortly after graduation when he secured a position at NCSU as a Research Specialist in the NC Agricultural Extension Service, where he remained for eleven years. He then entered private business as the founder of Engineered Farm Systems and served farmers in NC for eleven years. He was a licensed Professional Engineer.

He accepted the position of Executive Director of the North Carolina Baptist Foundation in 1972. During his 24 year tenure, assets invested to support Baptist causes grew from $2 million to $70 million. He served as the President of the National Association of Baptist Foundations for two terms. In his role as Executive Director, he found an opportunity to merge his love of travel, people, and supporting Baptist causes. He led Foundation Tours that spanned Scandinavia, the British Isles, France, Canada, and all 50 of the United States.

Edwin received an honorary Doctor's Degree from Gardner Webb University in 1991, served as a Trustee of Gardner Webb University and Meredith College, was Co-Chairperson of the Campbell University Chapel Capital Campaign, was presented the Order of the Long Leaf Pine by Governor Jim Hunt, was a member of Rotary, and served as President of the Raleigh Civitan Club. Edwin served as Chairman of the NC Friendship Force for two terms. He led groups from NC to Newcastle and Devon, England and hosted the English members when they visited NC.

After marrying Goldie in 1951, the couple lived in Smithfield and were members of First Baptist Church. When the couple moved to Raleigh in 1955, they joined the newly formed Forest Hills Baptist Church. Edwin served as a choir member, Sunday School teacher for 30 years, Director of the College Sunday School class for 20 years, and Co-Director of the Senior Adult Ministry for 19 years. Edwin frequently served as a Deacon and was Chairperson of the Board of Deacons four times. He remained a member at Forest Hills until the end of his life and claimed many friends there.

"Pop" loved his family dearly and devoted boundless energy to creating special memories of time spent at the beach, in the mountains, traveling in the US, Canada, Great Britain, and France, and working on projects around the house. His boundless, contagious enthusiasm was evident in his laughter, his excitement over the even the smallest details of his grand-children's lives, his recounting of family stories past and present, and his ability to transform routine tasks into adventures.

He loved people...in his church, his neighborhood, his profession. He loved hearing their stories, loved helping them whenever he could, and loved discovering mutual friends or relatives. Because all three of his careers required travel and visits throughout the state, his acquaintances ranged from the mountains to the coast and were comprised of farmers, ministers, educators, Baptist leaders, and retirees from all walks of life.

He will be deeply missed by his family and friends. His character and faith formed the bedrock for a life well-lived and a joy freely shared.

Edwin was preceded in death by his parents, Lula Smith Coates and Joseph Bezzell Coates, of Smithfield, NC, stepmother Carolyn Johnson Coates, and six brothers: James, Lacy, Roy, Albert, Braxton, and Bryan, and special family friend, Linda Griffin.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by two daughters, Debra Coates Barton (Jerry) of Lincolnton, NC, and Lori Coates Shannon (Kevin) of Mooresville, NC; three grandchildren: Bethany Barton Shirk (Joshua) of Greer, SC, David Coates Barton (Leigh) of Atlanta, GA, Colin Coates Shannon of Mooresville, NC; great-granddaughter Miller Barton and great-grandson Hayes Barton.

The family thanks the caregivers at Springmoor and also Linda, Carly, Amy, and Lizzie for their care and devotion to Edwin over the past months.

Edwin's celebration of life will be held on Saturday, May 11, at 11:00 AM at Forest Hills Baptist Church, Raleigh. Friends may visit with the family after the memorial service in the Gathering Room at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be sent to the Springmoor Endowment Fund, 1500 Sawmill Road, Raleigh, NC 27615 or to Forest Hills Baptist Church, 201 Dixie Trail, Raleigh, NC 27607.