Donald Eugene Coates

Donald E. Coates, age 78, passed after a hard-fought battle with cancer on May 18, 2022. He was surrounded by friends and family and his beloved wife, Judy Coates. He will be greatly missed. Born in Columbia, SC, on October 9, 1943, he was the son of the late Shannon Eugene Coates and Queenie Browder Coates.

Donald attended Newberry College and was retired from the South Carolina Army National Guard after serving over 30 years. He was a member of Mt. Elon Baptist Church in Hopkins, SC, for many years.

He was an armorer assigned to the State Marksmanship Section, Headquarters Detachment in Columbia, SC, and was responsible for transforming ordinary weapons into a combination of aesthetic beauty and technical precision. In 1973, he became the armorer for the South Carolina shooters. As an avid outdoorsman, Donald really enjoyed working on the weapons. He especially enjoyed being outdoors on the ranges for matches and practices. Donald said of his time as the Unit Armorer, “I was a mess steward for 18 years; I would enjoy anything after that.”

Donald and Judy, fondly referred to by Donald as JP, had a deep commitment to each other, and their greatest source of happiness was their marriage and family. Donald adored his grandchildren, David, Austin, and Sarah Beth, and was the best “Poppy” they could ask for. He loved nothing more than hunting, fishing, and spending time with his family and friends—especially his children and grandchildren.

Anyone who knew Donald knew he was a diehard Clemson Tiger fan.

He is survived by his wife, Judy Paul Coates, of Columbia, SC, two children, Shannon Troy Coates (Flory) and Melissa Anne Bradley (Paul), three grandchildren, Paul David Bradley (Sierra), Austin Michael Coates, and Sarah Beth Bradley and one great grandchild, Paul David Bradley IV, and numerous nephews and nieces.

Friends and loved ones are invited to gather for a visitation at 1 p.m. on Saturday, May 21, 2022, at Mt. Elon Baptist Church, Hopkins, SC, followed by a service at 2 p.m. and burial at Mt. Elon Baptist Church.

In lieu of flowers, you may make donations to St. Jude’s Cancer Research or SC Department of Natural Resources to help conserve South Carolina fisheries.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.dunbarfuneralhomedevine.com for the Coates family.