Paul Anthony Coates

Paul Anthony Coates was born in Baltimore, Maryland on September 19, 1937, the sixth child and second son of Elder James Z., Sr. and Harriette Coates.Known by many as P. Anthony (Tony), He received his formal education in the Baltimore City Public Schools, graduating from Frederick Douglas Senior High School at age 16 in June 1954. Tony’s advanced schooling took him to the Baltimore City of Commerce (now merged with the University of Baltimore). After simultaneously attending the day college and evening college, he graduated in 1961 with an Associate Degree and Certificate in Accounting. He completed his education in 1968 with a B.S. Degree in accounting.On July 21, 1962, he married the former Miss Dorothy Willnette Elam of Newport News, VA, and Washington, D.C. Of this union were born Camille Marchell (deceased), Monica Antonette and Eric Lamont.During his professional career he held many positions in the accounting field. Among them were jobs as a Public Accountant with the CPA firm, Berman, Goldman, and Ribakow, Auditor with the Internal Revenue Service and Auditor with the United States Army Audit Agency. For nearly 34 years he worked with the Health Care Financing Administration (HCFA), holding several positions including Social Insurance Research Analyst- Legislation, and Program Policy Analyst. He retired from HCFA in 1992.P. Anthony continued his professional career as Manager/Director with Health Care Management Consulting, Inc. in Jacksonville, Florida. And in 1997 he began a term of faithful servant to the Church of God, Gospel Spreading Church, Inc. Administrative Office as an Accountant, the position he held at the time of his death.Like his father before him, P. Anthony was always very active in the Church of God, Gospel Spreading Churches, Inc. (GSC). The highlight of his achievements there was bringing to fruition the planning and construction of the church facility at 4310 Edmondson Avenue, Baltimore, Maryland, which opened its doors in 1974. He held a variety of offices in the GSC including Acting Superintendent of the Sunday School, ordained Deacon, President of the Junior Executive Board of Directors, and member of the Senior Board of Directors. He also served as Secretary of the National Board of Elders and Deacons, where is duties included chairing the quarterly meetings.P. Anthony was inspired by a deep love for God and a commitment to obey His Word. He based his life upon two key scriptures: Psalms 16:2-3 “my goodness extended not to thee; but to the Saints that are in the earth…” and Ecclesiastes 11:1 “Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days.” His life’s motto could also be summed up in this song: “If I can help somebody as I pass along, then my living shall not be in vain.Preceding him in death were his parents, James, Sr. and Harriette Coates; sister, Mary Coates; and daughter, Camille Coates.He leaves to celebrate his life: his loving wife of 44 years, Doris Elam Coates; daughter, Monica A. Coates of Brooklyn, New York; son Eric L. Coates of South Bend, Indiana; three sisters, Harriette Lane Johnson, Doris L. Coates, and Winifred Craig- Henderson all of Baltimore, MD; four brothers, James Jr., (Vivian), of Tampa, Florida, Robert (Rachel) and Michael, both of Baltimore, Maryland, and Ridgley of Munich, Germany; two aunts, Mildred Jackson and Gaither Coates; one uncle, Joseph (Alverta) Coates; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and a loving church family.

Tributes

Paul Anthony Coates

September 19, 1937 - July 22, 2006