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(2)
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.