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Charles Marshall Coats

September 9, 1963 ~ May 6, 2012

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It is with joy that we announce the homecoming of Dr. Charles Marshall Coats with the Lord at the age of 48. He was born on September 09, 1963 to Rev. Charles W. Coats and Alice Peed Coats of Durham NC. He was preceded in death by his brother-in-law, Rev. Tim Browning. Dr. Coats was a loving son, husband, father, brother, and employer. He loved and served the Lord with all his heart and shared the gospel of Jesus Christ with everyone he met including the doctors and nurses that took care of him during his illness. He graduated from NC State University School of Veterinary Medicine in 1990 and went to work for Sandhills Veterinary Hospital for 3 years before he established his own business, Coats Veterinary Hospital in 1997. Dr. Coats lived with the motto, “You may be the only Jesus people see”. Through his business, he touched many lives with donations to St. Jude Childrens Hospital, Feed the Children, Bible Broadcast Network, Cystic Fibrosis Association, American Diabetes Association, American Cancer Society, Relay for Life, The Pregnancy Center, and World Vision, Animal Fund. Dr. Coats also supported the local community through his rabies clinic donations to United Community Ministries, My Sisters House, Bassett Center, Spring Hope Elementary School, Pope Elementary School, and Open Door Ministry of Faith. He spoke at all local schools, rescued animals at local shelters and donated bird feeders and aquariums at Spring Arbor. Dr. Coats led devotions at South Village and Spring Arbor, was a Sunday School teacher, lay evangelist, and started a non-profit mission for Christ to reach people for the Lord called Christian People Renewed. He was also known for his “Go to Church” banner that is put out faithfully on Saturday afternoons. He loved camping with his family in the mountains, fishing with his family plus gardening and farming with his goats and chickens. Along with his parents, he leaves behind his loving and devoted wife, Beth Browning Coats who shared his life for 20 years; loving children, J.C. Coats and Laura (Shane) Winstead; sisters, Vicki (Gene) Hill, Cindy (Doug) Batchelor, Marsha (Dale) Winstead; nieces and nephews, Allison (Phillip) Drum, Kevin Hill, April Batchelor, Alan Batchelor, Will Winstead; great-nephew, Cameron Hunt, along with his little buddy Beau-Beau. The family wishes to thank Dr. Robert Wehbie and the nurses of 5th East of Rex Hospital for their compassionate care. Also a thank you to his special caregivers, Terry Hale, Laura K. Russ, Ronnie and Amy Stroud and staff of Hospice of Nash General and Palliative Care of Rex Hospital. The family will receive friends 7:00pm to 8:30pm Tuesday, May 08, 2012 at Wheeler and Woodlief Funeral Home. A service to remember Dr. Coats will be held at 3:00pm Wednesday afternoon in the funeral home chapel with Rev. Robert Weslund and Rev. Gene Brooks. Burial will follow at Rocky Mount Memorial Park. Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler and Woodlief Funeral Home, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com. Visitation Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services 1130 N. Winstead Ave. Rocky Mount, NC 27804 ID ) ); ?>"> --> 252-451-8800 --> | Tuesday 5/8, 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm Service Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services 1130 N. Winstead Ave. Rocky Mount, NC 27804 ID ) ); ?>"> --> 252-451-8800 --> | Wednesday 5/9, 3:00 pm Cemetery Rocky Mount Memorial Park 4454 Dortches Blvd., Hwy 43 Rocky Mount, NC 27804

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  13. Animals have lost a true friend and guardian with the passing of Dr Coats. I thank you so much for your years of caregiving to our beloved pets and strays here in the Rocky Mount area. Heaven has gained what we and the animals have lost. My deepest sympathies to the family, friends and pets of Dr Coats. He put up a valiant fight, but can now rest in peace.

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  14. To all of the Coats family, We want to send our prayers and thoughts with you during your time of grief. May memories of him get your family through this difficult time. Dr. Coats was such a loving and caring man who will be missed greatly by the the King family, our dog Buddy, and citizens of Rocky Mount! Love, Michael Brianna & Buddy

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  15. To all of you, You were so lucky to have Marshall in your family. He was an asset everywhere he was throughout his whole life. A more giving and compassionate man is hard to be found. May the God Marshall had so much faith in give you consolation at this sad time of your life. Love, Margaret

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  17. RIP Marshall! I know you fought a brave fight, but you made it Home! Teresa Wood-Woolard

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  18. Dr. Coates spoke at my school, NCMS, at our Career Fair. He was always giving of his time and would bring a very socialable dog in with him. He was an excellent person and I know he will be missed by many. I believe he is in Heaven and will await his loved ones (four legged as well as two legged). God bless you all.

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  19. Marshall was a great friend to me and my late husband Michael McBride. I (Debbie) cut his hair for years. We shared many funny stories over those years. When I cut his hair it is a wonder that we both did not get booted out of the salon because we were laughing over some funny story. I will never forget when he was trimming my husky’s nails. Cody did not like his feet being touched. You can say that might lead to quite an eventful task. When I peeked in through the window Cody was standing in one corner of the exam room ,Cody was standing on his hind legs and Marshall was wrestling with him in that corner looking him eye to eye. When he came out into the hall he was so rumbled looking! He said while trying to straighten his lab coat that all went well. What was so funny was he was out of breath from this nail trimming as if he had run the New York Marathon! There so many stories but I would like to tell you Beth… that the world was a better place to all who knew him as a friend and a fellow Christian now he is safely home with his Lord. Blessings Debbie McBride Sharp.

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  20. Marshall was a great friend to me and my late husband Michael McBride. I (Debbie) cut his hair for years. We shared many funny stories over those years. When I cut his hair it is a wonder that we both did not get booted out of the salon because we were laughing over some funny story. I will never forget when he was trimming my husky’s nails. Cody did not like his feet being touched. You can say that might lead to quite an eventful task. When I peeked in through the window Cody was standing in one corner of the exam room ,Cody was standing on his hind legs and Marshall was wrestling with him in that corner looking him eye to eye. When he came out into the hall he was so rumbled looking! He said while trying to straighten his lab coat that all went well. What was so funny was he was out of breath from this nail trimming as if he had run the New York Marathon! There so many stories but I would like to tell you Beth… that the world was a better place to all who knew him as a friend and a fellow Christian now he is safely home with his Lord. Blessings Debbie McBride Sharp.

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  21. I will always remember Dr. Coats and the loving care he gave to all of God’s creatures. He was a special man with a special gift. Dear Family, May you find comfort in knowing that he was loved by so many. Margaret Deal

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  22. Beth, JC, Laura, Cindy, Marsha, Pastor & Mrs. Coats — Prayers continue for you at this time of your grief. Marshall is healed now and sitting with his heavenly father rejoicing. I know it is hard and to lose someone you love but I know that he would want us all to celebrate his eternal life. Ecclesiastes 71 says A good name is better than fine perfume, and the day of death better than the day of birth. I believe Marshall lived this scripture through the care he gave to his patients and their owners, the way he lived was a witness to his faith and perseverence and I believe he knew that the day of death would be better than the day of birth. I pray God’s blessings of peace for each of you in the days ahead. Shelley Jackson

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  23. Beth, and all children, we were so sorry to hear of the demise of brother Marshall. He was one of the most compassionate persons i’ve encountered. He is surely in the arms of Jesus. He, and you, have been wonderful friends to Plainview. We will miss him here on this earth. God bless you and the children. May the peace of Christ be with you and all your family. Don & Joanne Holland

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  24. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Marshall was a good friend at ACC and such a caring veterinarian. What a caring compassionate person and inspiration to many. Marilyn Jones Glover

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  25. Dr. Coats was the kindest, most caring veterinarian I ever had the priviledge of knowing. The care and compassion he showed to my dogs and to me is something I will never forget. I am so very sorry for your loss and my prayers are for you today. God bless you and give you comfort in this trying time.

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  26. Dear Beth, Laura, J.C. & Coats family, We are so very sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you always. No better friend to people or animals can be found. Bob & Lisa (Godwin) Smith

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  27. We have lost a great man. One who will truly be missed. We should all take comfort in the fact that he is with our Lord and is no longer in pain.

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  28. Dr Coats was the best veterinarian we ever had. He was also a friend. He helped us take care of 2 Scotties over 22 years. He will be greatly missed by us as well as many others. He fought a courageous battle against a horrible disease. His life was an inspirtion to all who follow Christ. Our sincerest condolences are extended to his family. Bill & Linda Hoyle.

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  29. Dear Beth, Laura and J.C. We are all praying for you at the loss of Brother Marshall. What an inspiration he was to all of us. It was a priviledge to have known him over the years and also that he was our pet doctor. God is holding you in the hollow of His hand. Tom and Sandy Moore

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  30. I am still in shock over this news. Dr. Coats was the best, caring, veterinarian I ever known – I have known him since he was fresh out of school. He will be truly missed.

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  32. I wanted to share my story with the family. It has been quite a few years ago, but I had a cat who got very sick and was on the point of death. This was on a Sunday morning and I called the emergency number for Dr. Coats after trying others. He immediatly met me in his office and did all he could to save my precious babies life. He did save her life. He had her for almost 2 weeks and he was such a good man. He didn’t charge me what I know he should have and he let me make monthly payments. I will never forget him. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. My prayers go out to his family. Darlene Smith Sharpsburg, NC [emailprotected]

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  39. What a great friend we have lost..not only will he be missed by us but by his animal friends as well. He was truly a great man who worshiped God and spread His word with everyone and through everything he did. Thank you for all the years you have looked after my furbabies. I will miss you )

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  41. Years ago our beloved puppy had to be put down. It was a terrible loss for our family. Dr Coats sent me a very touching, personal handwritten note telling me that we will all see our pets again over the rainbow bridge. Dr. Coats, I just know you are with all our animals who have gone over the rainbow bridge and you will take good care of them until we get there.

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  42. Dr. Coats was such a wonderful man who shared the love of Jesus with everyone. He was also very generous. I had the pleasure of meeting him about seven years ago when he came into my office and out of the blue asked if he could help someone who was ill and could not pay their utility bill. Immediately the name of someone suffering with cancer came to mind. Dr. Coats paid the bill and told me to call him when dire situations occurred. People like Dr. Coats are hard to find. He said the Lord had blessed him and he wanted to help others. Dr. Coats touched many lives and helped many people that he never met. His loving spirit and kindness will truly be missed. God blessed the Coats family and the Rocky Mount community with a very precious jewel, Dr. Charles Coats. Gloria Hunter City of Rocky Mount

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  43. Marshall was always a ray of sunshine for us all in veterinary school! He was such a joy! What a wonderful life and career he built and enjoyed. Heaven is even a better place now that he is there. My thoughts and prayers are with his wonderful family and friends. Lynne Riley DVM Class of 1990 NCSU Woodstown New Jersey

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  44. We’re sorry to hear of the loss of your son-in-law, Pastor John! We will be praying for your family! Brian and Keri Ek

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  45. My deepest condolences to your family for the loss of Marshall. He was a good person and had an optimistic view toward life. We were veterinary classmates and I remember him as a studious and diligent guy who always strived to do his best. He will be missed. Sincerely, Dr. Louis Duncan Beretich USArmy Vicenza, Italy

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  46. To the entire Coats family and staff of Coats Veterinary Hospital. Marshall will be sorely missed. He was a great man and I know you and many will sorely feel his loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers and I praise Him to know that Marshall is now feeling great in heaven.

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  47. Dear Beth, Laura, J.C., Vicky, Marsha, Cindy and the Coats family please know that you are all in our prayers during this time of transition in your life. We loved Marshall as well as all of you. You can call on us at any time if there is anything we can do even if you just need a hug or shoulder to lay your head on. What an awesome example of living for God he was. A total stranger could see that he was a Godly man and he will be greatly missed. He fought the fight and he now has his reward waiting for the rest of us when that appointed day arrives and God stretches our his hand for us to take hold of. We love you, Cat and Rick Joyner

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  48. My heart goes out to all Dr Coats’ Family and Friends. He was and is a true inspiration to me as a Christian. His loving way with animals and people will be greatly missed. I am a better person for having known him. May God grant all his family and friends the peace of knowing that he is in loving arms.

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  49. Dear family, friends and employees, I pray the Lord will give you comfort and joy in knowing he is with the Lord Jesus and that you will experience the peace that passes all understanding. I never met a more compassionate and kind soul! He was a joy to everyone who met him! He will be missed by us all! God bless you! Larry & Dawn High

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  51. Same here Darlene – I had a very sick kitten, and had to leave her at the clinic for over a week. Dr Coats told me he would not give up and would make her well. He did make her well, and did not charge me an outrageous amount of money. He was one in a million, and my heart is breaking.

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  55. Beth, Laura, JC, and family, you are truly loved. Lord, please continue to watch over each of these famiy’s hearts and lives and give each of them wisdom and discernment in the coming days and years. You alone know how to calm our hearts and minds and think like You’d have us think in our circumstances. Thank You for all the lives that You’ve allowed Marshall to touch for You and the wonderful legacy that he has created for Your honor and glory. Give each one hugs and guidance as needed and just when needed like You always do. Continue to show them Your plans for them and Thank You for each of the family and for what You’re continuing to do in and through their lives.In Jesus’ Name. Karen Waddell

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  56. On behalf of our Overseer, Apostle Mary E. Shell, Pastor, Dr. Emanuel Shell and The Open Door Ministry of Faith Deliverance Center, Inc., would like to extend our deepest heartfelt sympathy for the passing of this great man of God, Dr. Charles M. Coast . He was one of the most kindhearted and sincere person one could ever meet. He showed God’s love where ever he went and it was felt by many. We will greatly miss him and the light that was shown by the life that he lived.

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1130 N Winstead Ave. • Rocky Mount, NC 27804 • (252) 451-8800

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