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Ray Coates, 89; Was HB/DB for the New York Giants
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Bill Schenley
Jul 6, 2013, 12:28:14 AM7/6/13
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Rayford J. Coates
Photo: http://tinyurl.com/odoymfd
FROM: The New Orleans Times-Picayune ~
(Paid obit)
Rayford J. Coates passed away on Wednesday, July 3, 2013 at the age of 89.
He was the beloved husband of the late Miriam Huerstel Coates, with April 18th marking their 60th wedding anniversary.
Rayford was the son of the late Ophie T., Sr. and Hannah McLaughlin Coates. He was the loving brother of the late Ophie T. Coates, Jr., Miriam M. Coates, and Eyler R. Coates and the adoring father of Ray Michael Coates, Robin C. Drewes (Mark), and the late Patrick Coates. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Megan D. Picone (Jason), Christopher M. Drewes, Thomas M. Drewes, and Katherine Hamann, his great grandchildren, Caitlin and Hailey Picone, his sister-in-law, Fara Coates, along with numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.
Rayford was a proud graduate of Jesuit High School and Louisiana State University. While at Jesuit he was a four sport letterman. He was the tailback on the 1941 and 1943 State Championship Blue Jay football teams, was captain of the 1943 team, and the MVP of the 1943 All-State football team. While at LSU he lettered four years in football and baseball, and one year in track. He was MVP of the 1947 Cotton Bowl. He went on to play two seasons in the NFL for the New York Giants.
He then began his coaching and teaching career. He was the head football coach at Catholic High School in Baton Rouge from 1953 to 1958, returned to his alma mater Jesuit High School in 1959 as an assistant coach and math teacher, and later became head coach from 1966 to 1970, winning the District V-AAA title in 1970. Thereafter he continued teaching at Jesuit until his retirement in 1988.
He was later inducted into the Louisiana High School Hall of Fame, and the Sugar Bowl Hall of Fame. He was a longtime member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, and a parishioner of St. Pius X Church for almost 50 years.
Throughout his life he enjoyed gardening, bike riding, traveling, fishing, attending Jesuit class reunions, and watching sports of any kind, especially football. His students will fondly remember him for his passion for teaching and his familiar phrases such as, "it's like shooting fish in a barrel". His family and friends will remember him for his devotion to family and compassion for anyone in need.
The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to Lakeside Hospice and Prestige Personal Care for their devoted services.
Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend the Funeral Mass at Jesuit High School, Chapel of the North American Martyrs, 4133 Banks Street in New Orleans, on Monday, July 8, 2013 at 12:00 noon.
Interment will follow in Lake Lawn Park.
A visitation will be held at the Jesuit Chapel beginning at 9:00AM.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Jesuit High School in loving memory of Rayford Coates.
NFL stats:
http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/C/CoatRa20.htm
Thanks to Jack Morris from SABR for this obit.
Photo: http://tinyurl.com/odoymfd
FROM: The New Orleans Times-Picayune ~
(Paid obit)
Rayford J. Coates passed away on Wednesday, July 3, 2013 at the age of 89.
He was the beloved husband of the late Miriam Huerstel Coates, with April 18th marking their 60th wedding anniversary.
Rayford was the son of the late Ophie T., Sr. and Hannah McLaughlin Coates. He was the loving brother of the late Ophie T. Coates, Jr., Miriam M. Coates, and Eyler R. Coates and the adoring father of Ray Michael Coates, Robin C. Drewes (Mark), and the late Patrick Coates. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Megan D. Picone (Jason), Christopher M. Drewes, Thomas M. Drewes, and Katherine Hamann, his great grandchildren, Caitlin and Hailey Picone, his sister-in-law, Fara Coates, along with numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.
Rayford was a proud graduate of Jesuit High School and Louisiana State University. While at Jesuit he was a four sport letterman. He was the tailback on the 1941 and 1943 State Championship Blue Jay football teams, was captain of the 1943 team, and the MVP of the 1943 All-State football team. While at LSU he lettered four years in football and baseball, and one year in track. He was MVP of the 1947 Cotton Bowl. He went on to play two seasons in the NFL for the New York Giants.
He then began his coaching and teaching career. He was the head football coach at Catholic High School in Baton Rouge from 1953 to 1958, returned to his alma mater Jesuit High School in 1959 as an assistant coach and math teacher, and later became head coach from 1966 to 1970, winning the District V-AAA title in 1970. Thereafter he continued teaching at Jesuit until his retirement in 1988.
He was later inducted into the Louisiana High School Hall of Fame, and the Sugar Bowl Hall of Fame. He was a longtime member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, and a parishioner of St. Pius X Church for almost 50 years.
Throughout his life he enjoyed gardening, bike riding, traveling, fishing, attending Jesuit class reunions, and watching sports of any kind, especially football. His students will fondly remember him for his passion for teaching and his familiar phrases such as, "it's like shooting fish in a barrel". His family and friends will remember him for his devotion to family and compassion for anyone in need.
The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to Lakeside Hospice and Prestige Personal Care for their devoted services.
Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend the Funeral Mass at Jesuit High School, Chapel of the North American Martyrs, 4133 Banks Street in New Orleans, on Monday, July 8, 2013 at 12:00 noon.
Interment will follow in Lake Lawn Park.
A visitation will be held at the Jesuit Chapel beginning at 9:00AM.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Jesuit High School in loving memory of Rayford Coates.
NFL stats:
http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/C/CoatRa20.htm
Thanks to Jack Morris from SABR for this obit.
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