Mr. Alva Jasper “A.J.” Coates, age 96, passed away at his home on September 24, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. Born on August 28, 1928, in Centerville, Tennessee, A.J. spent his entire life in the place he loved most, raising his family just a stone’s throw from the old schoolhouse on Defeated Creek where he spent his childhood.

On Christmas Day in 1950, A.J. married the love of his life, Willie B., in a ceremony that would mark the beginning of their nearly 73-year journey together. The joy of Christmas morning stayed with them for decades, as they built a home filled with love and laughter every year Christmas was more than a holiday in the Coates household-it was a celebration of their enduring love and the life they had created together.

A dedicated worker, A.J. spent over forty years serving the community as a road grader operator for the Hickman County Highway Department. A.J. took great pride in his work and his colleagues admired him for it. A.J. was not only known for his deep connection to the community but also for his unwavering dedication to the Masonic Lodge #618, where he was a proud and active member for 28 years. He embodied the values of service, charity and brotherhood that the Masons hold dear. Beyond his Masonic work A.J. was a man of deep faith and devotion. For over 50 years, he was a faithful member of the Centerville Church of Christ, where he worshiped, served and formed lifelong friendships. His deep faith was the foundation upon which he built his life – a life centered on love, family, and his commitment to helping others. His home was always filled with music, and those close to him will forever remember the joy he brought when strumming his guitar or playing the fiddle. A.J. was a proud member of the Grinder’s Switch Skillet Lickers Band, where he showcased his talent on the fiddle. His music made even the simplest moments magical.

A.J. is preceded in death by his parents, Walter Coates and Estelle Coates, brothers, Walter A. Coates Jr., Arthur Coates, William Coates, Rash Elkins Jr., Charlie Elkins, sisters, Addie Bell Nash, Annie Mai Coates, Ethel Lindley, and Nell Hickman.

Those left to cherish his memory are his loving wife Mrs. Willie B. Coates, of Centerville, Tennessee, daughter, Melissa (Mark) Filson, of Dickson, Tennessee, daughter, Melinda (Ed) Sullivan, of Nunnelly, Tennessee and son, Ronald Coates, of Centerville, Tennessee. Grandchildren, Marcy (Brock) Brooks, Marny (Josh) Mullins, Matthew (Barbie) Filson, Marlee (Ricky) Corn, Maggie Filson, Douglas (Katy) Gammons, Jennifer (Derrick) Mnick, Jeff (Dana) Sullivan, Jon (Leslie) Sullivan, great grandchildren, Jeb (Morgan) Brooks, Jaime Brooks, Owen Mullins, Ethan Mullins, Ian Mullins, Dean Filson, Autumn Filson, Connor Butts, Logan Butts, Kaidence Butts, Landon Gammons, Layton Gammons, Parker Mnick, Emmerson Mnick, Carson Mnick, Rachel Sullivan, Rylee Sullivan, Rebekah Sullivan, and great great-granddaughter, Charlotte Butts. Along with extended family, Carol (John) West, of Centerville, Tennessee, Ben (Alexandria) West, of Centerville, Tennessee and two fur babies Tabby and Bucky.

The family wishes to recognize the following as honorary pallbearers, Masonic Brothers, Brock Brooks, Marcy Brooks, Andy Coates, James Coates, Phil Coates, Marlee Corn, Ricky Corn, Maggie Filson, Josh Hensel, Derrick Mnick, Jennifer Mnick, Josh Mullins, Marny Mullins, Danny Primm, Jeff Sullivan and Jon Sullivan.

The following individuals will serve as pallbearers, Jeb Brooks, Connor Butts, Logan Butts, Dean Filson, Matthew Filson, Douglas Gammons, Landon Gammons, Layton Gammons, Carson Mnick, Parker Mnick, Ethan Mullins, Ian Mullins, Owen Mullins, and Ben West.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in A.J.’s name to Centerville Church of Christ.

Centerville Church of Christ
138 N. Central Ave.
Centerville, TN 37033
https://centervillechurchofchrist.org/give/