Services for Benjamin Amos "Benjie" Coats will be held Tuesday, May 25, 2021, at 2 p.m. from McClain-Hays Chapel with Bro. Mack Alford officiating. Burial will follow in Mt. Carmel Baptist Church Cemetery in Neshoba County. Visitation will be held from 5-8 p.m. on Monday, May 24, 2021, at McClain-Hays Funeral Home.

Mr. Coats, 64, of Philadelphia, died Saturday, May 22, 2021, at Anderson Regional Medical Center.

He was a native and lifelong resident of Neshoba County. After graduating from Neshoba Central High School, he received his Associate Degree from East Mississippi Community College and then attended University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg where he earned his Bachelor of Science Degree. During college he began his career at WHOC Radio Station. He worked for Neshoba County as Emergency Management Director and retired as County Administrator. He was currently employed by WHOC/WWSL Radio Stations in Philadelphia. Mr. Coats was a member of Mt. Carmel Baptist Church.

He enjoyed learning and talking about the history of Neshoba County, picking antiques, repairing vintage clocks and radios, and spending time with family and friends.

He is survived by his wife, Reina Coats; furbaby, Eva Kay; sister and brother-in-laws, Lena Coats of Anniston, Ala., Judy Coats of Philadelphia, Robbie and Pam Cheatham of Philadelphia, Kevin and Jackie Cheatham of Philadelphia; nephews, nieces, and their families, Ross, Jessica and Thomas Cheatham of Philadelphia, Ben, Kate and Scottie Cheatham of Flowood, Caroline Cheatham of Philadelphia, Steve and Dana Coats of Birmingham, Ala., Joey and Patricia Coats of Collinsville, Pam and Don Cunningham of Stratton, James and Vicki Coats of Philadelphia, Jeffery and Consuelo Coats of Philadelphia, Jennifer and Joe Maxwell of Dothan, Ala., Mark and Deana Coats of Charleston, S.C., Apryle and Richard Mather of Mobile, Ala.

Mr. Coats was preceded in death by parents, Ethel J. and Ruthie Mae Shepherd Coats; brothers, Carl Junior, Grady, Joe, and Tommy Coats; sister, Carrie Sharp; niece, Pene Coats; and great-nephew, Anderson Coats.

Pallbearers are Eric Clark, Dale Joyner, John King, Tommy Smith, Mike Tingle, Ben Cheatham, Ross Cheatham, David Vowell, Tommy Waddell, and Wyatt Waddell. Honorary pallbearers are J. Max Kilpatrick, Joe Vines, and WHOC/WWSL Radio Station Families past and present.