Bedford Ray Coats son of the late Rev. John Ether Coats and Nellie Lee Pruitt Coats, was born in Rural Bernie, Missouri on November 6, 1938 and departed from this life at his residence in Bernie, Missouri on November 22, 2020 at the age of 82.

Mr. Coats had served in the National Guard for 7 years, later he worked at Allen-Christian Buick as Service Manager and as a salesman. Mr. Coats was very active in his community, He had helped set up the Ambulance in Bernie, Missouri and had worked as EMT for 10 years. He served as Stoddard County Commissioner for 16 years and Bernie Alderman for 20 years. He attended Northside Baptist Church of Bernie, Missouri having served as Deacon for 30 plus years.

He was united in marriage to Emma “Biddy” Borders in Bernie, Missouri on December 9, 1961. Mrs. Coats survives in their home in Bernie.

Other survivors include one daughter, Angela Becker & husband Glen of St. Louis, Missouri; by two sisters, Melba Florene Hube of Upland, California and Mary Louise Smee of Paducah, Kentucky; by two grandchildren, Rachel Anne Becker and Tristan John Becker; also by other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death other than by his parents, by two brothers, Ether Lee Coats and James Edward Coats.

A Graveside Memorial service will be conducted on Wednesday, November 25, 2020 at 1:00 P.M. at Bernie Cemetery.

Mathis Funeral Home of Bernie in charge of all arrangements.