Michael Coates

Michael Christian Coates, age 64, a South Baltimore native residing in Edgewood, Maryland passed away on December 26, 2021, at Upper Chesapeake Medical Center in Bel Air, Maryland. Born in Baltimore, Maryland, he was the son of Everett M. and Mildred D. (Jones) Coates and the husband of Donna M. (Parks) Coates.

In addition to his wife, Michael is survived by his daughters, Tina L. Weibe (Keith), Erin C. Jaus (William) and Faith A. Coates; sister, Merriel D. Riley; brother Mark E. Coates; grandchildren Samantha, Madison, Hannah, Kirra, Aliana, Keith Jr., Christian, EmmaGrace and Arabella; and many dear family members and friends that were very special to him.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother Howard T. Coates.

In his lifetime, Michael had 3 jobs, starting at A & P and then finding his career of 35 years with W. R. Grace and Company. He joined W.R. Grace in August 1985; before Michael had to take an extended leave for illness in recent years, he held the position as a Master Control Operator. Michael attended Strayer University where he graduated Summa cum laude in 2015 with a bachelor's degree in Business Management. Michael was an avid Old Time Radio Show listener & collector. He enjoyed many shows in this genre- The Great Gildersleeve, The Life of Riley, Our Miss Brooks, Fibber McGee & Molly and The Shadow just to name a few. He also collected, refurbished & repaired antique radios. He has a prized collection with the oldest radio being a Sparta, manufactured in 1928. Michael also played the guitar; learning from his father at the tender age of 5, the neighbors (including his future wife, Donna) could listen to the music and singing coming from the family home on "big" Grindall Street. One of Michael's favorite childhood memories during the summer was playing ball at the old Southern High School ball lot. Growing up, his family often vacationed in Wildwood, New Jersey. He continued vacationing there, even on his honeymoon with Donna and throughout his life with many family vacations. Most of these memories were captured via a VHS Camcorder, which if you saw Michael in the late 80's & early 90's, he was almost never without. The tradition of Wildwood, New Jersey continues with his grandchildren.

Michael lived his life for his family. Throughout his life, in everything he ever did, he put his family first. Michael & Donna's love story is truly a special one. They grew up as neighbors, living side by side, but with a 5-year age difference (Michael being older) it was quite some time until Michael noticed the starry-eyed blonde who had had a crush on him since she was 5. That love story finally started to blossom in 1980. Their love grew year after year with their struggles and their achievements. Michael & Donna were married at Lee Street Baptist Memorial Church in Baltimore, Maryland where they both attended as children. Michael & Donna were soulmates who found each other at the perfect time and shared a love we all strive for. Their family adventures carried them from as far north as Niagara Falls, Canada to the Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee to the deep south in Ozark, Alabama & many places in between. On these road trips you would hear music by Elton John, Billy Joel, Queen & Hall & Oates just to name a few.

In Michael's free time, aside from what is already mentioned, you could find him rewatching episodes of Gunsmoke, Columbo or Seinfeld; sharing stories and photos of his family- even those from generations before him, as he was a collector of family memorabilia. His greatest joy above all, was his family. Simply spending time with them, spreading laughter with his jokes and antics, and sharing his love. He will forever be missed - our "angel on my shoulder", our dearest Hubby (aka Boo Boo Bear), Dad, Daddy, Poppy, Brother, Uncle, Cousin and Friend.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Grace Assembly of God, of Bel Air, Maryland. Michael was a very spiritual man of Christian faith. The family wishes his legacy to continue by sharing love. Please elect your contribution to be made to the youth ministry, Generation Now (that his grandchildren are a part of), by using the drop-down menu. You can make this contribution in Michael's honor by selecting to add a private message and dedicating your gift in Honor of Michael Coates. https://graceofbelair.generush.org/