Fred Beck Coates

Littleton, NC - Fred Beck Coates, Jr. passed away peacefully at his home in Littleton, NC on May 18, 2016.He was born in Reidsville, NC on January 10, 1949 to the late Sarah Thomas Coates and Dr. Fred Beck Coates, Sr. Mr. Coates is survived by his loving wife, Ernestine Dixon Coates, his only sister, Sarah Jo Coates Falkner of Henderson, NC and brother in law, L. Nelson Falkner, Jr., nephews, David Nelson Falkner of San Francisco, CA and Michael Coates Falkner of Raleigh, NC and his faithful Boykin Spaniel, Lake Gaston Ginger Snap. Fred was educated in the Reidsville City Schools, graduated from Blue Ridge School for boys in Hendersonville, NC, Rockingham Community College and Appalachian University.He spent the next 35 years attending Factory Schools for which he continued his certification in Mercury, Johnson, Evinrude and Mercruiser and was an instructor for the schools, as well. Mr. Coates was a charter member of AmTech and one of the founders of the organization.He was a proud member of Royal Hart Masonic Lodge of Littleton and the Scottish Rite of Enfield, NC.He was a former member of Main Street United Methodist Church, Reidsville, NC and a member of Aurelian Springs Tabor United Methodist Church, where he served as a Deacon. Fred was an avid hunter and fisherman from childhood with his father and many close friends.His other love was training and raising Boykin Spaniels.He cherished his friends and enjoyed keeping things lively.Friends commented often on his “zest” for life. Fred was well known in the Lake Gaston area as the former owner of Fred’s Boat Repairs and Sales in Roanoke Rapids, NC. For those of us who knew him dearly, and new friends alike, we all shared in the stories and tales that were surely to be told over a meal or a visit.Fred was a blessing to his family and friends and will be missed as much as he was loved.He gave us a perspective on life like no one else could.He was a true treasure and we were all better for knowing him. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, Royal Hart Masonic Lodge, P.O. Box 919, Littleton, NC27850, and Boykin Spaniel Society, P.O. Box 237, Camden, SC29020 or the charity of your choice. A private memorial service will be held at a later date. Arrangements are by Cremation Society of Virginia – Southside, Inc. and respects can be made at cremationofvirginia.com.