Doyle Lee Coats, Sr

Doyle L. Coats, born on February 9, 1940, in Florence, Alabama, passed away on April 26, 2024. He served his country with pride by dedicating four years to the United States Marine Corps before embarking on a remarkable journey filled with notable achievements and selfless service.

After graduating from the University of North Alabama through the GI Bill, Doyle Coats began a career at Ford Motor Co. Aluminum Foundry in Sheffield, AL, where his hard work and dedication led to swift promotions. In 1969, his career took a new direction when he joined the United States Treasury as a special agent criminal investigator. With integrity and commitment, he underwent special agent basic training in Alexandria, VA, and later worked diligently in New York and Mobile, AL.

During the 1970s, Doyle Coats bravely volunteered as a US Sky Marshall to safeguard commercial flights from hijacking incidents. His dedication to ensuring the safety of passengers and preventing criminal activities extended to serving as security for foreign dignitaries across Europe.

Driven by a thirst for knowledge and a passion for justice, Doyle Coats pursued further education and earned his Juris Doctor of Law at the University of Mississippi School of Accounting. Transitioning from a career in law enforcement, he realized his dream of becoming a courtroom lawyer, graduating in 1981 and embarking on a distinguished legal career.

In 2022, Doyle Coats shared his wealth of experience and knowledge by authoring the book "Southern Justice," a testament to his understanding of the legal system and commitment to fairness. Alongside his professional achievements, Doyle found joy in his life in Gulfport, MS, where he cherished his loving partnership with his beloved wife, Linda Ray Coats. Together, they raised a loving family of eight children, twelve grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

Doyle L. Coats will be remembered for his bravery, integrity, dedication, and unwavering commitment to serving others. His legacy of compassion and justice will continue to inspire all those who had the privilege of knowing him.

Visitation will be Sunday, May 5, 2024, at Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home, 15^th Street, Gulfport, MS, from 4:00pm until 6:00pm.  A prayer service will be at 4:30pm.  The funeral procession will leave the funeral home on Monday, May 6, 2024, at 10:20am going to Biloxi National Cemetery, Biloxi, MS for an 11:00am graveside service with honors by the United States Marine Corp.