Edward Cornish Coates

EDWARD CORNISH COATES passed away on July 13, 2015, on a peaceful afternoon following a long and full life. Edward was born on Nov. 9, 1930, in Little Rock, Ark., to the late James Mitchell Coates Sr. and Hilda Cornish Coates, both of Little Rock. Also preceding Edward were his siblings, James M. Coates Jr. and Miriam Coates Jones, his niece, Cindy Coates Miller, his former wife, Mildred Coates and her son, Larry Morehart. He is survived by five nieces and nephews, James M. Coates III, Robin Coates Look, P. Bentley Jones Jr., Priscilla Jones McIntosh, and Mimi Jones Stamper, and their families. Also surviving are his stepdaughter, Sue Yarbrough and her son John Yarbrough. After a fun-filled childhood in The Heights, Edward attended Vanderbilt University and graduated in 1952. While there, he was affiliated with SAE Fraternity. Following graduation he entered the US Army and served two years in Asmara, Eritrea, Africa. While in Asmara, he was Editor of the Sports Section for the base newspaper, reflecting his love of sports, which continued throughout his life. After returning to Little Rock, Edward was employed with Coates & Raines Insurance Company, later purchased by Fireman's Fund Insurance Company. He continued in this capacity until his retirement. Edward was an avid golf and tennis player all his life. He won several tournament championships during summers spent at the family cottage on Lake Michigan, and he won the State Spring Championship Men's 45 Doubles in 1976. He remained active in tennis for most of his remaining years. Edward was a long-term member of the Country Club of Little Rock and an avid Razorback fan. Following his retirement, Edward was a dedicated volunteer at CHI-St. Vincent, where he served for nine years as a member of the Auxiliary, working several days each week in the Outpatient Waiting Room. Edward also loved travelling and researching travel options, and was very helpful to his friends in arranging the most economical methods of air travel throughout the United States. These achievements and good deeds do little to convey just what a delight he was to be around. The family photographer and historian, quick with a funny story, knowledgeable about every sport and the expected outcome on every event, generous with his time and relentlessly sunny in his outlook, Edward will be missed by his many friends for these qualities. The family has enormous gratitude for Sue Yarbrough and special friend Lisa Kuykendall for their years of companionship and caring for Edward. The gifts of time and spirit they have bestowed on him are countless. Friends are invited to join the family on Friday, August 21, to honor and remember Edward. Visitation will be at 1 p.m. at Ruebel Funeral Home, followed by burial at Roselawn Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Vincent's Foundation, in Edward's honor. Arrangements by Ruebel Funeral Home, www.ruebelfuneralhome.com.