William Reaves Coates

William Reaves Coates, 85, of Charleston SC, passed away in the comfort of his home, April 26, 2021. William (Bill) was born on July 21, 1935 in San Antonio, Texas; the son of Col. Philip D. and Eleanor LaMerle (Reaves) Coates. He was raised the son of an Air Force Officer and moved around frequently, living in Texas, Tennessee, Panama and New York. He graduated from high school in 1952 then enlisted in United States Navy thereafter. He had a full career in the Navy till he retired from his service as a Chief Petty Officer in 1980. In retirement, Bill went on to work at Middleton Place where he was head carpenter performing Colonial period demonstrations for visitors.

Bill was one of the original founders of the Charleston Model Yacht Club (CMYC) and served as the Commodore of the club. As a model boat enthusiast, Bill built and raced many boats, sharing his wisdom with his club and those who showed an interest. He was loved by all the members and will be greatly missed. He enjoyed tinkering and built some beautiful pieces of furniture. Bill enjoyed music and was an avid reader, devouring all sorts of books from historical to fantasy.

Bill is survived by his loving wife, Mary Coates. Three step children, David (Susan) Shillman (Bethesda, MD); Meg (David Arends) Keim (Cincinnati, OH), and Becky (Larry) Valbuena (San Dimas, CA); Nieces, Tracy Coates (New Richmond, WI), Patricia Coates (Woodbury, MN), Dawn (Lynn) Hylen-Lyons (Charlotte, NC), Allison Bach, (Joliet IL), Amelia (Thomas) Durnell, (Chicago IL); Nephew, Philip (Carly) Hylen (Elizabethton, TN), Bradford (Rachel) Bach (Aurora, IL), Ross Moore, (Chicago, IL); Sister-in-law Marsha (Gary) Moore – Bach,( Naperville, IL), Brother-in-law; Jerald (Cynthia) Moore (Downers Grove, IL), as well as many cousins and friends. Bill is preceded in death by his first wife, Virginia (Moore) Coates, sister, MaryAnn Hylen and his brother, Philip D. Coates Jr.