Philip Peter Coates

Philip, also known as "Papa" and "Peepaw", was born in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania and grew up in Rowell, New Jersey until his teenage years when the family moved to Tampa, Florida. Right out of High School, he joined the Airforce to become a civil engineer where he spent 20 years and 2 months until he retired. In 1970, he married the love of his life, Wanda Jean Morgan, on November 2. They raised three daughters: Cheryl, Robyn and Phyllis. Philip retired from the Air Force in 1987 then went on to work for James A Haley veterans hospital for 24 years. He retired in 2014.
He loved his motorcycles, boats, cruises, and traveling. He fought hard the last 18 months before his passing with many health issues. He was blessed this past few months to have his daughters and son-in-law Shawn around him and James, his friend and wonderful caregiver, and also the Father to his grandson Darius Dougan.
He is preceded in death by his wife Wanda of 31 years who passed in 2002, His brother Robert T Coates, His Father Robert E Coates, his Sister Joan Rich Singleton and His Mother Anastacia Spock Coates.
He is survived by his three daughters Cheryl (Chuck) Flanagan of Zephyrhills, Florida, Robyn (Shawn) Ruggles of Zephyrhills Florida, Phyllis Coates Zephyrhills, Florida. Also his Sister, Edna Schlauch of Wells Maine, and his grand children James (Starr) Coates, Charles Flanagan II, Chet Chenault, Kylie Ruggles (Josh Garcia) Amber (David) Williams, Staci (Cody) Washburn, Brenden (Tracy) Ruggles, Xander Chenault, Darius Dougan and many nieces, nephews, and 11 great grandchildren.
A memorial service for Philip will be held Saturday, November 22nd at 1:00 at Hodges Family Funeral Home in Dade City.
If you would like to send flowers, please have them delivered to the funeral home in the morning on the day of the service. The family personally recommends Flowers by B in Zephyrhills who does wonderful floral arrangements.