E. Graham Coates MD

E. Graham Coates, MD, 80, of Albany, died Saturday, March 8, 2008 at his home following an illness.His memorial service will be TUESDAY 11 AM at Albany Bible Church. Pastor Pete Daughtry will officiate. His remains were cremated.A native of Shorterville, AL, Dr. Coates had lived in Albany since 1966. He graduated with honors from Ft. Gaines High School in 1944 and was voted most likely to succeed. He then went to ASTRP at Clemson University and was one of two honor students out of 300. Dr. Coates served in the U. S. Air Force from 1945-1947 at Nichols Field outside of Manila, Luzon, Philippines. After military service, he returned to Clay County to farm. In 1952 he attended Tennessee Temple College in Chattanooga, TN, and graduated as Salutatorian in 1955. He attended Baylor University Graduate School and graduated with a degree in English literature with a minor in theology. From 1956-1958 he taught at Temple college and earned prerequisite credits for medical school. In 1958 he entered the Medical College of Georgia and graduated in 1962. He was a member of Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society. Dr. Coates interned at Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital in 1962-1963. He served a residency in psychiatry at Tulane Medical School from 1963-1966. Dr. Coates began his private practice in Albany in 1966 and retired in 2000. He was a member of Albany Bible Church and the Dougherty County Medical Society.Dr. Coates is survived by his wife: Susan Coates, Albany; a daughter: Lara Coates, Albany; 2 sons: Chris Coates, Ronnie Coates and his wife Carmella, all of Albany; 3 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren; a brother: Leon Coates, Ft. Gaines.The family will receive friends at Kimbrell-Stern on Monday from 5-7 PM.Those desiring may send memorials to the American Cancer Society, P.O. 1201, Albany, GA 31702, or to the Albany Community Hospice, P.O. Box 1828, Albany, GA 31702.