Robert Symmes Coats' Obituary
Robert Symmes Coats, age 64, of Marietta passed away July 18, 2024.
Robert was born to Gus Symmes Coats and Nancy Carol Coats (formerly Lytton) in Opelika, AL. His father was a chemical engineer, and the family moved many times during his childhood.
After graduating from Glynn Brunswick Memorial Academy, Robert went on to serve his country in the United States Navy for six years as a Petty Officer Second Class. During his service with the Navy he tracked Soviet submarines as an Antisubmarine Warfare Aircrewman. He earned his bachelors degree from University of West Florida. Robert found his career at Honda, where he worked for years as a technical writer, and then moved into a marketing position. He retired from Honda in 2018 after 27 years.
Robert was an enthusiastic collector of guns, comics, CDs, and vinyl. He was “Mr. Fix-It” to his family, the ultimate handyman. Robert also held a deep passion for learning, and nowhere else was this more apparent than when you watched Jeopardy with him. He was quick with a joke and easy to laugh with. Robert delighted in providing humor through dad jokes, an infinite number of random facts and information that may or may not have been true, and witty one-liners.
Robert is survived by his wife of 39 years, Maria Coats; children, Katie Coats (Chris Dickson) of Alpharetta, Daniel Coats (Melissa) of Canton, Stephen Coats of Atlanta, Zander Coats (Brittany) of Roswell, and Christina Coats (Murice White) of Marietta; grandchildren, Patrick, Leah, Grady, J.T., and Madge; sister, MaryEllen Tanner; and niece, Virginia Kahn.
A memorial service honoring Robert’s life will be held Friday, July 26, 3:00 PM at Davis-Struempf Chapel. The family will receive friends from 2:00 to 3:00 PM before the service. In lieu of flowers the family kindly asks any donations be made to Releash Atlanta in his honor.
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