Kenneth Ray Coates

Kenneth (Kenny) Ray Coates, 84, of Smithfield, VA, went home to be with the Lord, 11/26/24. He was born in Brookneal, VA, but resided in Hampton Roads most of his life. He retired from Newport News Shipbuilding, as a General Foreman in X33 Paint Dept., after 38 yrs. He attended Smithfield Assembly of God church, and was a member of the Gideons for many years. He loved the Lord, hunting, fishing and trapping. And he really enjoyed singing and playing music with his guitar. He founded, and was lead singer of a 50’s band called The Dazzlers, which was ultimately inducted into the Rockabilly Hall of Fame. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur Coates and Susie (Booker) Coates, his 2 brothers, Steve and Irvin, his first wife, Patricia Francis, and his second wife, Faye Bartlett. He leaves behind to cherish his memory his brother Bobby Coates, his 4 children Todd Coates and his wife Jeanne, Kim Powell  and her husband Andy,  Jennifer Lapiere and her husband Mike and Rhonda Wright and her husband David; 8 grandchildren, Angela, Katie, Carly, Nathalie, Evan, Tori, Dakota and Arizona; 4 great granddaughters Adelynn (Addy), Ellie, Lakelynn, Lennon and one to arrive in January and 1 great grandson Easton, and one to arrive in June, as well as a close friend he called a brother, Roy McFatter, and a host of other close family and friends. 

Kenneth (Kenny) will be missed greatly by his family and friends. Till we meet again in glory, we love you, Daddy.

 A funeral service will be held at Little’s Funeral Home on Wednesday, December 4, 2024 at 2:00 PM, with interment to follow the service at St. Luke’s Memorial Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to the spreading of the gospel through purchasing Gideon Bibles at www.sendtheword.org or by calling Donor Services 1-866-382-4253 Online condolences may be registered at www.littlesfuneralhome.com