Gregory William Coats

Gregory William Coats was born on September 1, 1971 to parents Rawson and Donna Coats. He passed away on October 30, 2025. His life began in Brockton, Massachusetts and he called Oklahoma, Ohio, Georgia, and Missouri home before settling in Florida. After high school Greg began his military service, first enlisting in the Air Force as a jet engine mechanic.  After earning his degree in electrical engineering from the University of Oklahoma, he became a commissioned officer and began his work in electronic warfare engineering.  After 16 years in the Air Force he transitioned to the Army where he earned his Master's degree in construction management from Missouri University of Science and Technology.

During his military career, he completed two tours, one in Iraq and one in Afghanistan.  After a combined 24 years he retired as a Major.   Greg's distinguished service was a source of great pride and an enduring part of his legacy.

In his personal life, Greg loved living fully, and he found joy in making others smile and laugh. He cherished time with his family and his beloved dog, and he especially loved being out on his boat, wakeboarding, enjoying crab legs after a long day on the water, and playing board and card games.  Sharing stories from childhood vacations, fishing trips with his PapPap, and rides to the beach with his dad in their VW van were among his favorite pastimes.

Family and friends will always treasure the countless memories Greg created.  He had a joke for everything, and he loved making everyone laugh. He delighted in changing the words to songs just to get a laugh, and games like Uno, Sorry, and Mexican Train will forever remind his loved ones of his playful spirit. On the water, he found joy in teaching kids to wakeboard and ski, and at work, his good-natured pranks kept spirits high. Wherever Greg went, he made ordinary days memorable.

Greg leaves behind his wife, Nickelle Coats, children Jeffrey Coats, Lili Coats, and Laney Maher, and a grandchild he adored, Kobe Walker. He is also survived by his father, Rawson Coats, sister Audrey Coats, aunt and uncle Rose and Keith Dinant, cousins Noelle, Mike, and Mikey Graves, and many other loving aunts, uncles, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his mother Donna Coats, grandmother Lorraine, grandfather William “PapPap” Dinant, and grandparents Arlie and Helen Coats.

Greg will be remembered for his ability to bring people together through laughter, a gift he treasured deeply. He was genuine, kindhearted, and compassionate, with a brilliant mind and endless curiosity.  His warmth and humor touched many lives, and his memory will live on in the joy he shared with others.  

A memorial service honoring Greg's life will be held at Barrancas National Cemetery in Pensacola, Florida.