Billy Coates, 85 died Thursday, November 14. Billy was born in 1939 in Richmond, Indiana to Edna Wells and Jesse Coates. Billy graduated from Richmond High School in 1957. After graduation he entered the United States Marine Corps, serving 3 years in the Marine Airwing. Upon honorably discharged, Billy married Karen Schultz and had 2 children Kip and Rick Coates. Billy worked at the Richmond Gear Works until its closing and then at Richmond Power and Light until his retirement. Billy was an avid hunter and fisherman, enjoying the many trips to Canada. As a member of the Gettysburg Gun Club and Richmond Conservation Club, you could find Billy trap shooting, one of his favorite hobbies.

Billy is survived by his wife Brenda, mother-in-law Judy Lay, brothers-in-law Chuck (Jo) Bolton, and Roger (Lynn) Lay, his sisters-in-law Michelle Garrett, Christy (Win) Yerkes, and Brandi Lay, his son Rick (Carolyn) Coates, and grandchildren Kayla (Austin) Robinson and Molly (Mitchell) Greene, and brother Stephan Coates.  Billy attended Liberty Church of the Nazarene. The family would like to send a special thanks to AseraCare Hospice. His son Kip Coates and brothers Rod and Larry Coates precede him in death.

Friends and family may call on Billy at Stegall-Berheide-Orr Funeral Home on Wednesday, November 20, 2024, from 11:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M., with funeral services at 1:00 P.M. officiated by Rev. Jeff Adams. Billy will be buried in Lutherania Cemetery. Online condolences may be shared with the family via the guest book at stegallberheideorr.com.