Mel Ray Coate's Obituary
Mel Ray Coate, 76, of Wheeler died Wednesday, June 29, 2022 in Wheeler.
Services will be 10:00 AM Tuesday, July 5, 2022 in Cornerstone Church in Wheeler with Erron Mercer, officiating. Burial will follow in Wheeler Cemetery in Wheeler.
Viewing will be held Sunday at the funeral home.
Arrangements are by Robertson Funeral Directors of Wheeler.
Mel Ray was born May 30, 1946 in Wheeler to Millard Ore and Zinna Mae Holley Coate. He had been a lifetime resident of Wheeler and was a graduate of Wheeler High School. He was a farmer/rancher and started Mel's Diner in Wheeler 27 years ago. Mel Ray's hobbies included fishing, hunting, camping, the outdoors and was a great dancer. He was a longtime member of the Bass Club. He married Susan Rabon on July 28, 1989.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Jim Coate; two grandchildren, Briar Coate and Jake Benefield; and an aunt, Elva Meek.
Survivors include his wife, Susan Coate of Wheeler; his sons, Rodney Coate and Juan of Edmond, Oklahoma, Brian Coate and wife Joleen of Wheeler, Wayne Benefield and Mary of Wheeler, Daniel Benefield and wife Stephanie of Destin, Florida, Tom Cook and wife RaNita of Amarillo, and Travis Cook and wife Marcie of Canyon; his daughters, Mechelle Coate and husband Dustin Marks of Celina and April Hopper and husband Steve of Wheeler; his brother, Troy Lee Coate of Stigler, Oklahoma; his sister, Sue Davis and husband Rick of Whitefield, Oklahoma; his sister in law, Angela Coate; 13 grandchildren; 4 great grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews, and lifelong friends.
The family request memorials be sent to Cornerstone Church / PO Box 523 / Wheeler, TX 79096 or Wheeler Volunteer Fire Department / PO Box 711 / Wheeler, TX 79096.
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