Olin R. Coats

November 13, 1932 - January 24, 2012

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Westbrook Church of Christ

Friday 1/27, 2:00 pm

Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home

3800 N. Big Spring St

Midland, Texas 79705

Thursday 1/26, 10:05 pm

Olin R. (Jim) Coats, 79, of Midland, TX was born on November 13, 1932, to Olin B. (Fat) and Margie Coats in Vernon, Texas, his family moved to Morton, Texas, in the spring of 1933.Growing up on the farm, he learned the value of working hard and realized people are a lot like plants. With a little guidance, love and support, people can grow in life and business or as he said" planting seeds", a trait which stayed with him his entire life. Reared and educated in Morton, a romance was sparked between the prettiest Majorettes he'd ever seen, Nell Brown. He joined the Air Force in January, 1951, was stationed in Selma, Alabama, Wyoming and Alaska. After his Honorary Discharge he came home to marry Nell, his high school sweetheart, in Clovis, New Mexico. After the Air Force and a short stint at farming in Morton, they embarked on numerous adventures including time in California, but settled in Lubbock, Texas, where he spent the majority of his working life with his other love, automobiles, in the auto business. During this time he continued to "plant seeds." He had a special gift of helping those who worked with him "grow" and become successful in life and business and closed many deals with just a handshake .He was a Master Mason and Shriner during the 1960s.Jim and Nell moved to Midland in 1998, to help Mark & Kathy Coats develop the West Texas area of Armstrong McCall Beauty Supply. There, as in Lubbock, he continued to "plant seeds" and many of his customers became good friends, that he so looked forward to seeing every week.He was a faithful member of the First Christian Church in Lubbock and the First Christian Church of Midland.Following a courageous battle with cancer, Jim went peacefully to be with his Lord and Savior surrounded by his family on January 24, 2012.Jim enjoyed golfing with his friends and music, but most of all he enjoyed being with his family around a great meal and lively conversation. He was a devoted and caring husband and father, and one who was always available to help in any capacity. In that spirit his body has been donated to Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center in Lubbock.He leaves behind to cherish his memory, his wife of 61 years, Jessie Nell Coats; son Rick & Linda Coats, their children and grandchildren Chad and Michelle Harris, and Jeremy and Chance Harris, all from Lubbock; son Mark & Kathy Coats of Midland, and their son Josh Coats of Aledo; daughter Chalease Davis of Aledo and her daughter Jessa Davis of Tarleton State University, her son Dustin and Nikki Davis and their children Dylan & Peyton Davis of Midland; and daughter Kerri Nielsen and sons Evan Nielsen of Dallas, Texas and Preston Nielsen of Texas Tech University.Jim is also survived by a brother Alfred R. Coats & Wanda of Gause, Texas, and extended nieces and nephews.He was preceded in death by grandchildren, Robbie McNabb and Krystal Coats; and sister Peggy Money. Visitation will be held from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm, Thursday, January 26, 2012 at Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home of Midland, TX. A memorial and celebration of his life service will be at 2:00 pm at First Christian Church, 2323 Broadway, Lubbock, TX, on Friday, January 27, 2012.Special thank you to Dr. D. Watkins & Rachel Diaz; Home Hospice and Jo Ann Rice.In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Kelsey Logan Angel Fund, P.O. Box 5072, Midland, TX 79704, First Christian Church, 1301 West Louisiana Avenue, Midland, TX, 79701, or Home Hospice, 901 West Missouri, Midland, TX 79701Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. Online condolences can be made at: www.npwelch.com,

Westbrook Church of Christ

Friday 1/27, 2:00 pm

Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home

3800 N. Big Spring St

Midland, Texas 79705

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Thursday 1/26, 10:05 pm

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After reading the obituary, Nell, I think the military and marriage data is mixed up--my copy of our 1951 graduation program lists you as Jessie Nell Brown Coats, and I remember that you finished at mid-semester our Senior year and got married, much to my distress at your departure. The obit wasn't wrong about the "prettiest" in "prettiest Majorette..."--except you were Drum Major that last year in high school. Those were good years; good friends. I remember when my Jim and I lived in Palacios in the Spring of 1952 that we visited with you, Jim & son (Ricky?) while your Jim was at Foster Field in Victoria. I have a photo somewhere of that day. I'll look. I'll have you in my prayers that you can find comfort and be supported by all your family. Still love you.

Nell, I am late hearing about Jim. I don't know what to say except I am very sorry to know he is gone from us here on Earth. We'll all meet again, you can be assured. I haven't seen you in many years, but that doesn't mean I don't think of you often--my good, loyal friend in high school so many years ago. Sending love and comfort from Jim and Janelle.

I was blessed to know and work with Jim in the 90's at Gill Construction. Sad to hear of his passing, I had always thought I would get to visit with him again and talk about old times but guess I will wait til I see him in heaven! My prayers go out to the family. God bless

Nell, I was very sorry to hear of Mr. Jim"s passing. I really think the world of both of you....you are in our prayers and thoughts. God Bless you in this time of sorrow..you and your family. Queta Spellings

So sorry for the loss of your dear father. Know that me and Debbie's love is with you always and our prayers go out to you and your family!

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

Nell, my sympathy goes out to your and yours. I love you and Kerri so much, and know that his loss will be felt forever. Remember that you have a million good memories. Love Karla

Nell, I share in your grief at the loss of your beloved husband. Jim was a kind and generous man. He was considerate and concerned. May God bless you during this difficult time. Love, Dee Bowman

I am so sorry to hear about the passing of Jimmy. I have such fond memories of our high school years. My love to Nell and Family. Johnny

You know how much I love you all and so wish I could be there with you. Always know my thoughts and prayers are with you. Keep the laughter coming - that's what dad would have wanted!

Kerri, sorry to read about your Dad's death. He was a real nice man. Alyse Michalka Evans PE

So sorry for your loss, Jim was one the nicest people I have ever had the pleasure of working with. You and your family will be in my prayers.

My deepest sympathy during this time. Chalease, know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Our Prayers and Sympathy are with the Famiy,

Thanks to Verdie for getting this news out. Nell it has been many years but keep you and your family in my prayers. God Bless

Thanks to Verdie for sending this out. Nell it has been many years but to you and your family I send my prayers and well wishes.

A candle was lit by Joyce and Wayman Marshall on 2012/01/25

Nell, My heart goes out to you and your family. I didn't know Jim was so sick. May God be with you in this time of sorrow.

NELL, RILEY AND I SEND OUR SYMPATHY AND PLEASE KNOW U R AND WILL BE IN OUR PRAYERS. LOVE U AND JIM.. A NEAT COUPLE

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.