Arthur Coates Sr., age 75 of Akron, Ohio died on October 30, 2017 peacefully at home surrounded by his immediate family members after a long illness. He was born on January 20, 1942 in Haddock, Georgia.

Arthur worked as a laborer at  Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company and retired after 35 years of service.  Subsequently, Arthur then worked as a bailiff for the City of Akron until his retirement in 2009. Arthur was a hard worker and loved his family tremendously. He enjoyed spending time with his family and always made sure that he took them annually on vacation, festivals and amusement parks.  He was very outspoken and passionate about community involvement.   He was actively involved in the following organizations and extracurricular activities during his life: Lifetime NAACP Member, South Akron Reunion Charter Organizer, Union Steward at Goodyear, Organizer of Goodyear Annual Corn Roast, Avid Light Weight Boxer (Akron Golden Gloves), Mentor, and Business Owner. He was also an active member of the Republican Party and even had the honor to barbecue and cater for President George Bush while he was in our local area.

Arthur was preceded in death by his father, Adam Coates, Sr.; mother, Carrie Perdue; brothers, Adam Coates Jr.  and Johnnie Coates.

Arthur is survived by his dedicated and loving wife of 54 years Mary Lucy Coates; loving daughters Cathy Marie Coates-Brown, Myra Regina Snipes (Kirby), Sheila Aretha Primas (Charles) and  son Arthur Coates Jr.(Tracey); grandchildren Teneisha Brown, Anthony Brown Jr., Charles Primas Jr., Portia Snipes, Ashley Primas, Nathan Snipes, and Aubrey Coates;  brother-in-laws Bennie Carter (Tanya), Henry Carter (Brenda),Harold Carter (Jonette) and Gerome Douglass; sister-in-laws Bernice Parker (Floyd), Blanche Carter, Evelyn Ewing, and Loretta Carter; special friends Herman Matthews and Charles Small Sr., and a  host of nieces, nephews, cousins , and loving friends. Special Acknowledgments: Caretakers Annie Mae Stephens and Guardian Angels (Debbie, Jeanette, Deanna, &Tracey).