Limuel “Lim” Coats Jr.

The Life and Legacy of Limuel Coats Jr.

Limuel “C”  “Lim” Coats was born February 11, 1942 in Lexington, Mississippi to the late Limuel and Amanda (Noel) Coats. The family moved to Fort Wayne, Indiana in 1947 where he later attended and graduated from Central High School. 

Lim was employed with International Harvester, and through their apprentice program he became a Journeyman Millwright.   After providing 31 years of service, he gladly retired at the young age of 50.  He was baptized at an early age, and continued his walk of faith with Turner Chapel A.M.E. Church. Limuel was an active member of the church, a member of the Sons of Allen and The House of Sharing.  

Limuel was a loyal member of St. Mary’s Lodge #14, PHA, Past Master.  Royal Arch St. Paul Chapter #3, Fort Wayne Consistory #66, Saudi Temple #50 AEAONMS Past Potentate, Imperial Personal Assistant and Deputy Chauffer for Dessert of Indiana.  Matchless Chapter #8 OES, Past Worthy Patron and Past Grand Sentinel Grand Chapter of Indiana, President and Treasurer of St. Mary’s Craftsman Club. Member of the Sons of Legion, American Legion Post #148.

Limuel was an avid member and a giant in the community. He was a founding member of the Fort Wayne Community Fishing Club.  Founding member of the Kings & Queens Motorcycle Club and past President & Rear Road Captain.              
 
He was part of the Metro Youth Sports Mentoring program. He was a coach for the Southeast YMCA Y-ball which included coaching his own grand kids.  He was a Foster Parent for over 26 years and cared for many. 

Lim was an avid sportsman who loved to hunt and fish and was good at it. He raced stock cars and motorcycles, of which he had a large supply of trophies to back it up.  He was the City Pool Champion for several years. He was an excellent roller skater and loved all sports.  As a Master Mechanic, he often would take apart his motorcycle only to put it back together again.  He was a student of Karate and participated in numerous tournaments. 

On Tuesday, March 30, 2021, he departed this earthly life, at home with his family by his side.

He leaves to cherish his legacy and memories, his wife of 36 years, Joyce Graham-Coats; children: Shawn E. Coats of Houston TX, Clarence (Felicia) Dunnigan, Renee (James) Wattley of Fort Wayne IN, Lance (Lorine) Coats of Frisco, TX, Preosha Graham-Coats of Fort Wayne; stepsons, Tracy Foster of Pittsburgh, PA, JJ Foster and Rick “Sugar” Foster both of Fort Wayne. Together with Joyce, they affectionately raised, Rondrea Taylor, Rodneya Bibbs, Ronesha Taylor, and Marquel Cooper all of Fort Wayne, IN.

Limuel was the second oldest of 11 children, Leroy Coats, Charley Coats, Dorothy Coats, Maxine Coats, Eracine Coats, Lucille (Willie) Smith, Floyd Coats, Shirley (Bill) Stevenson, Bernice (Larry) Hamilton, and Kevin (Edna) Clancy all of Fort Wayne, IN; 

He also leaves one aunt, Emma Williams of Fort Wayne; 28 grandchildren, Rayshaun, Shanisha, Casey, Cyrus, Lorenzo, Loren, Clarissa, Damionna, Jazmine, Brielle, Limuel, LaKeshia, Lance, Tiera, Terra, Keiayla, King, Brandon, JJ Jr.  Julian, Cienna, Kyra, Viana, Ava, Italia, Grady, Robert and Jazmine, 19 great-grandchildren, a host of nephews, nieces, cousins and friends. 

Limuel was preceded in death by his parents, Limuel Sr. and Amanda Coats; stepmother, Annie Vera Coats and a son, Damon Calhoun.

North District Elder Samuel Sumner will be the eulogist.

Lim will be laid to rest Lindenwood Cemetery.

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