Kermitt James Coates, loving husband, father, grandfather and Christian peacefully transitioned at the age of 55 on Thursday, November 3, 2011.
He was born on November 25, 1955 in Chicago, Illinois, to McKinley & Elvira. He attended James McCosh Elementary School, and Dunbar High School in Chicago, Illinois where his basketball talent and skills earned him a scholarship to Alcorn University in Mississippi. He later received his Bachelors Degree from Philander Smith College in Little Rock, Arkansas.
Later, Kermitt moved to Texas where he felt blessed to meet the love of his life, Wanza Garlon, and the two were married in 1993. His last employment was with the City of Dallas as the Park Ambassador. He was a faithful member of the Church of Christ and active at the Dallas West congregation.
Kermitt is survived by his devoted wife, Wanza Coates of DeSoto, TX; daughter Kermeisha Davenport and granddaughter Skyler Davenport (both of Chicago, IL); three brothers: Charles (Velma) of Valdosta, GA, Derrick of Palmer, AK and Michael (Alicia) Coates of Chicago, IL. He was loved by a host of in-laws: Thomas P. Garlon (Alma), Duncanville, TX; Vernice Benton, Lois Jean Lomax (Johnny), and Rochelle Brown (all of Longview, TX). Kermitt was also loved by many nieces, nephews, friends, and the Dallas West Church of Christ family. Preceding him in death were his father McKinley Avery, mother Elvira Coates, and brother Fredrick Coates.
