Russell Ronald Coats

January 5, 1939 - September 12, 2020

Russell passed away in the arms of his loving wife while surrounded by his family on Saturday, September 12, 2020, at the age of 81. He was a native of Springfield, Louisiana but became a resident of Hammond, Louisiana. Russell was extremely proud of his service in the United States Army and exemplified it by displaying a huge American flag outside his house. Although many thought his flag was on the extreme size, it perfectly matched the pride he had for our country. During his spare time, he enjoyed planting vegetables and fruits in his garden. Annual family vacations to the Smoky Mountains with his family was something he looked forward to. At the crack of dawn, the family would awake to his morning breakfast call of, “Good Morning Tennessee!” Another memory that is held close to the hearts of his family, is the day he proposed to his wife in his pickup truck. Russell was definitely a one of a kind man who will be deeply missed by all who knew him. He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Marie Grace Morgan Coats; daughters, Rebecca Renee’ Palmer (Randy) and Rachel Roxane McAllister (Douglas); sister, Ramona “Sis” Elam; grandchildren, Jessaca Chelette, Abby Palmer, Ryan McAllister, Christian Rhoto, Gabrielle Neyland, Cade McAllister, and Camden McAllister; great-grandchildren, Brice Chelette, Sophia Grace Chelette, Colton Chelette, Savannah Chelette, Hailey Grace and Luke David McAllister, Evangeline Roxanne Rhoto, Elizabeth Marie Neyland; Russell is preceded in death by his daughter, Karen Therese Coats; parents, Willie and Addie Coats; brothers, Willie D. and Gerard D Coats; sisters, Maude Ann Parks, Shirley May Martin and Juanita Elam; Father-in-law, TL Morgan and Mother-in-law, Lena Morgan. Relatives and friends are invited to attend the visitation from the chapel of Brandon G. Thompson, PONCHATOULA, on Friday, September 18, 2020 from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Visitation will continue on Saturday, September 19, 2020 from 9:00 a.m. until the funeral service beginning at 10:00 a.m. His son-in-law, Douglas McAllister will be officiating the service and interment will follow in Carter Cemetery.