Wilson Ray Coates

W. Ray Coates, 82, of Linkwood passed away on Friday, October 20, 2017 at Coastal Hospice at the Lake in Salisbury. He was born in Salem on May 26, 1935 and was a son of the late Charles Freeman Coates and Nina Christopher Coates.

Mr. Coates graduated from Vienna High School class of 1954. He was a farmer his entire life. On December 20, 1975, he married the former Nancy Brinsfield. Mr. Coates enjoyed going to the auctions and fishing. He was a member of Chateau Community Church.

He is survived by his wife Nancy Coates of Linkwood, his twin sister Bernice Carter of Reisterstown, a great niece Ashley Mills and husband Ryan of Sharptown and several nieces and nephews. Besides his parents, Mr. Coates is preceded in death by two sisters Elizabeth Burton and Mary Louise Towers, three brothers James Coates, William Coates and Charles C. Coates, a great nephew Cody Green, half-brother Robert Raeligh and his adopted father James Roberson.

Pallbearers will be Donnie Cannon, Billy Short, Jason Scott, Doug Scott, Jason Bradley and Bean Green.

A funeral service will be held on Thursday, October 26, 2017 at 11 am at Thomas Funeral Home, P.A. in Cambridge with Rev. Larry Wroten officiating. Interment will follow at Dorchester Memorial Park. Family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Chateau Community Church, c/o Nancy Coates, 3981 Ocean Gateway, Linkwood, MD 21835.