Melvin Ray Coates Sr. of Gloucester, age 77, died on Monday, October 21, 2024. Melvin was born on January 16, 1947 to the late Joel and Ellen Mae Haywood Coates. He worked as a forklift operator for Shackelford’s Seafood. Melvin enjoyed watching NASCAR, especially Jeff Gordon, and rooting on the Redskins. He also enjoyed golfing. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his sisters, Barbara Lewis Vaughn and Dallas Hansford, and brother, Walter Lee Coates. Melvin is survived by his children, Merecia Wiggins (Tommy), Melvin Coates Jr. (Diana), Dorinda Smith (Billy); 11 grandchildren, Stacey Noble (Jay), Davey Wiggins (Hayley), Brittney Nelson (Kadeem), Christopher Coates, Kayla Coates, Daniel Coates (Melodie), Michael Coates (Brittany), Brandon Meade, Cody Smith, Colton Smith, and Savannah Jenkins, and 12 great-grandchildren. Brothers, Wilford “Wick” Coates and Joel Coates Jr., also survive him. The family will receive friends at Hogg Funeral Home on Friday, October 25, 2024, from 12:30-1:30 p.m., followed by a graveside service at Rosewell Memorial Gardens Cemetery at 2 o’clock. Pastor Jared Berry will be officiating. In memory of Melvin, contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, c/o Nancy Dransfield, 7274 Joseph Lewis Road, Hayes, Va. 23072.

Services under the direction of Hogg Funeral Home.