Charles “Chuck” Coates

Creedmoor – Charles "Chuck" Edward Coates, 58 passed away on September 8th, 2025. He was born on August 13th, 1967 to Darlene Marlow and the late Danny Coates. He is also predeceased by his stepdad, Tommy Sprouse, brother, Jeff Coates and his nephew Zachary Coates.

Chuck was raised in Durham, NC. After graduation from Northern Highschool in 1985, where he excelled in baseball, he attended NC State University. This was a dream come true for Chuck since he had always loved the Wolfpack.

He had a 20-year professional wrestling career. He worked as enhancement talent for WCW and WWF. He wrestled such greats as: Ricky Steamboat, Sting, Lex Luger, Steve Austin, Bobby Eaton, Andre the Giant & Kurt Angle. He also worked with independent wrestling groups under the name of Hollywood Chuck Coates, The Russian Assassin, as a member of the German Storm Troopers, and fan favorite – MADD MAXX. Chuck truly lived his dream and was able to wrestle in many states and different countries throughout the world.

Chuck was a very passionate NC State fan. You would often find him at wrestling duals, football, basketball, and baseball games, and sometimes at softball and volleyball games. He was well known by the Wolfpack Nation. At State sporting events, other fans would often come up to him and ask, "Aren't you Chuck Coates?" He had a very large following on social media due to his love and passion for NC State athletics, especially wrestling.

Chuck felt his calling was to serve the Lord by helping others. He worked as a Stewardship Officer at the Durham Rescue Mission. He was great at his job and loved going to work every day. It was not uncommon for people to reach out to Chuck by phone or social media to inquire about getting help for a friend or family member through the mission, and Chuck was always happy to help. He and his wife were also foster parents for 14+ years and brought many children into their home to love and care for over the course of those years, even at the time of his death.

He attended Bible Baptist Church in Creedmoor. As a 3-time cancer survivor, Chuck enjoyed sharing his testimony of what God has done in his life. He was often asked to share his story at church services, youth meetings, and schools. He loved the Lord, and it was evident not only in the things he shared, but also how he lived his life.

Chuck was a loving husband, father, PawPaw, and foster dad. He loved being a PawPaw so much and it brought him such joy. He recently built an entire playground in his backyard for the grandchildren to enjoy.

Chuck is survived by his wife, Cynthia Lucas Coates; Sons, Seth Coates, Lucas Chandler; Daughters, Journey Chandler (Kyle Gray), Cori Melton, Tess Melton, Kala Melton; Grandchildren, Traylan Thorpe, Adonis Bullard-Lee, Ivory Nash; Mother, Darlene Marlow (Barry); Brother, David Coates; Sister Angie Seeberg (Ron) and nephew Taylor Coates (Kelsi), as well as many other relatives who loved him.

The family will receive friends at a visitation on Thursday, September 18th, 2025 from 5-8 pm at Bible Baptist Church in Creedmoor. Funeral Service will be on Friday, September 19th, 2025 @ 2 pm also at Bible Baptist Church. Red attire is encouraged.

In Lieu of flowers memorial donations can be made to: Durham Rescue Mission PO Box 11368 Durham, NC 27703 And/or NC State Wrestling Program 2500 Warren Carroll Drive, Raleigh NC 27606

The family is being assisted by Clements Funeral and Cremation Services in Durham. Online Condolences may be sent to www.clementsfuneralservice.com.