Norris Ray Coats

     Norris Ray Coats, 63, of Meridian, passed away peacefully at his home on Thursday, September 26, 2024, surrounded by his loved ones.

      Ray was born to Charles Delmas and Linda Frances (Cumberland) Coats on August 3, 1961, in Philadelphia, MS. Ray was a service station attendant for many years until starting his own towing company, Ray Coats Towing Service. He was in business for 24 plus years and it was his pride and joy. He loved his customers and many of them became his friends. Ray was a lifetime member of TISBA, The International Singing Brakeman Association, and enjoyed the times he spent there. His passion was his God, his family, and his love of music. Ray will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. 

     Ray is survived by his loving wife of 24 years, Donna Coats; his mother, Linda Glass; his son, Charles Ray Coats; stepdaughter, Jennifer Widen (Patrick); sisters, Ann Jenkins (Jimmy), Lisa McCarter (Doug), and Valeria Raddcliff; one grandson, Kai Widen; along with several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews; and many beloved friends and neighbors.

     He was preceded in death by his father, Charles Delmas Coats; paternal grandparents, Walter M. and Ora C. Coats; maternal grandparents, Thomas Alvin and Helen Ruth Cumberland; and his uncle, Marshall Coats.

     Visitation for Ray will be held on Saturday, September 28, 2024, from 5-7 pm at Webb & Stephens Funeral Homes-North.

     Funeral Services will be held on Sunday, September 29, 2024, beginning at 1pm in the chapel of Webb & Stephens Funeral Homes-North, with Rev. John Sweeney officiating. Burial will take place at the Spring Creek Baptist Church Cemetery in Neshoba County. 

     Serving as Pallbearers for Ray’s service will be Lee Allen, Curtis Cupid, Steve Blackwell, Michael Collins, Mitchell Boykin, Kevin Lewis, Billy Baysinger, and David Coats.

     The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff members and nurses of Halcyon Hospice, Chrissy Baysinger, Brooke Richardson, and Karla Fisher; as well as his private sitters, Kim Johnson and Gloria Goodwin, for the special care they gave to Ray. They would also like to express their heartfelt gratitude for all of the special visits, phone calls, and prayers for Ray and his family during this time. Ray and his family especially enjoyed the visits from Bro. John Sweeney and all of his musician friends that came to fellowship and sing with them. 

     The staff of Webb & Stephens Funeral Homes-North is grateful for the opportunity to honor Ray’s life and memory and to serve his loving family during this time.