Jerry was born November 3, 1944, in Greenville, Texas, to Frank Coats and Daphna Daugherty. He served in the Army National Guard. He married Betty Carlene Rivera on August 6, 1966, in Greenville, Texas, who preceded him in death in 2003. He married Kristi Cross Stapleton on April 9, 2005, in Greenville, Texas. He worked for Raytheon as a buyer and purchaser for 35 years. After his retirement, he worked for Highland Terrace Baptist Church where he was also a member and served as Deacon.
He is survived by his wife, Kristi Coats; children, Cheri Kroncke and husband, George, Greg Coats, Jeff Stapleton and wife, Michelle, and Misty Stapleton Hardy; sister, Glenda James Cleveland and husband, Jack; grandchildren, Katie DeBerry and husband, Davis, Madison Kroncke, Camden Coats, Christian Coats, Kimber Coats, Cari Hardy, Cole Hardy, and Caley Stapleton; numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by parents, his first wife, Betty, and brother, Jimmy Coats.
Pallbearers will be Camden Coats, Christian Coats, Greg Coats, Dwayne James, George Kroncke, Jeff Stapleton.
Honorary pallbearers will be Larry Mayo, Ronnie Combs, Bill Dennis, H B Earle, Joe Bishop and Jack Cleveland.
Condolences(7)
Larry Hogland
Corinth, MS Friday, September 27, 2024 Kristi I was saddened to hear about your loss. Jerry was a wonderful person and classmate. I sent you an email and hope you got it. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. In times like this I am confident of your strong belief in God. Lean on him and your great family of friends. I consider you one of my best friends from our class and consider it a privilege to have known you all of these years….LarryStewart harwell
Lindale, TX Tuesday, September 24, 2024 Sorry to hear about your loss Greg. May your father rest in peace..🙏🙏Randy Meeks
Greenville, TX Friday, September 20, 2024 I was saddened to hear about the passing of Jerry. He was such a great man with integrity. I remember him helping my Mom at the church. He will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.Judith Jurica
Greenville, TX Thursday, September 19, 2024 I am so sorry for your loss, my thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time. Love always, JudithConnie Talley
Farmersville, TX Tuesday, September 17, 2024 What an honor it was to have known Jerry. He was such a true gentleman and a very sweet person. I enjoyed working with him at Highland Terrace Baptist Church. Lots of fun days at the church of eating meals together with the church staff. My prayers are with his family during this difficult time. I know he will be greatly missed.Marilyn (Row) Finley
Lipan, TX Monday, September 16, 2024 Jerry has been a good friend since we were in Junior High School. He & Betty were very important in my life for many years & they were just like family to me. They always welcomed me in their home as I did them to mine. Once a year, they'd drive down to visit me & the kids when I lived in San Angelo. He was a very good Christian man who loved his family & friends beyond measure. After Betty's passing, I was so happy for him that he found love again with our classmate Kristi Cross. I'm thankful that Kristi took good care of him during the past nine years with his health issues. My prayers are with Cherie, Greg Kristi & their families. May God surround them all with HIS love giving them needed peace & comfort during this difficult time.Claudette Mierzwik
Greenville, TX Monday, September 16, 2024 I worked with Jerry for several years & he was a wonderful man to work with. A true gentleman.My thoughts are with his family and pray that they find peace through God’s love.