Pastor Emeritus Dr. Hence C. Coats
And I will give you pastors according to Mine heart, who shall feed you with knowledge and understanding.’ —Jeremiah 3:15
Reverend Dr. Hence C. Coats was a man of God dedicated to bringing the good news to all he came in contact with. Whether you met him at the grocery store, work or church he had a welcoming spirit, a funny story and most importantly the Word to share with you.
His congregation benefited from his leadership. He provided sound teaching and preaching and pastoral care in the happy and challenging times. Though he now rest with the Lord, his legacy lives on at Pleasant Green MBC.
Pastor Coats Legacy
Reverend Coats was a proud graduate of Green County Training School in Alabama, Class of 1965; American Theological Seminary in Nashville, Tennessee, Class of 1987; and Faith Baptist College and Seminary in Pickens, South Carolina, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Bible in 1993 and later received an Honorary Doctorate of Theology in 2003.
In 1970, Reverend Coats met Elizabeth, the woman who would become his greatest partner in life and ministry. Their connection was undeniable, and on June 2, 1973, they began a journey of love and faith that spanned over 52 years. Soon after, he became a devoted member of Mt. Moriah Missionary Baptist Church in Dayton, Ohio, where he dedicated himself to serving as Chairman of the Deacon Ministry and Church School teacher.
While serving as a deacon at Mt. Moriah, Reverend Coats felt the call to ministry and accepted his divine assignment in August 1984. He was ordained on December 8, 1984, and his heart for people and passion for sharing God’s Word became the foundation of his life. He dedicated 35 years to faithfully serving as the Pastor of Pleasant Green Missionary Baptist Church, where his kind and encouraging spirit touched countless lives. Throughout his tenure, he exemplified dedication, integrity, and a deep love for family and faith.
One of Reverend Coats’ greatest joys in life was raising his two sons, Eldridge and Traveon Sr., whose musical talents became an integral part of Pleasant Green’s worship experience. He found immense pride in watching them grow into men of character and faith. His heart swelled with joy at the blessing of his two beloved grandchildren, Reagan Elise and Traveon Jr., who brought a renewed light into his life, filling his later years with laughter, love, and cherished moments.
Reverend Coats found eternal rest and peace alongside his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Roosevelt and Earline Coats; brothers, Willie “Bill” Coats, Eli Coats, and Michael Angelo Coats; sisters-in-law, Linda Broadnax and Odessa Osborne; and brother-in-law, Earnest Broadnax.
He leaves to cherish his memory his wife, Elizabeth B. Coats; his sons, Eldridge Coats and Traveon Coats Sr.; his grandchildren, Reagan Elise Robin-Coats and Traveon Coats Jr., all of Dayton, OH; his siblings, Jewel Shaw of Detroit, MI; Charlie (Gloria) Moore and Roosevelt (Shirley) Coats, all of Cleveland, OH; Mary C. (Johnny) Butler, Leola (Mose) Jones, and Patricia (Earnest) Edmonds, all of Forkland, AL; Para C. (Odell) Davis, Reverend Eddie (Melonee) Coats, and Jacob (Ida) Coats, all of Demopolis, AL; his uncle, Clarence Haywood of Belvidere, IL; his aunt, Mahalia Paige of Mobile, AL; his brothers-in-law, Melvin Osborne of Montgomery, AL, and Johnny Broadnax of Dayton, OH; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
His legacy of leadership and wisdom endures through his sons in ministry and the countless other ministers he mentored and guided on their spiritual journeys. Reverend Coats was also blessed to find lifelong friendships in his Pastor, Dr. Herman Walker, and his best friend of over 45 years, Mr. John Oliver. Though he has departed from this earthly life, his legacy of faith, love, and service will live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know him.