Robert Curtis Coates, Jr, was born in Birmingham, Alabama, July 22, 1967, one of 12 children to the late Robert C. Coates, Sr. and Robertha Strong Coates. He graduated from Huffman High School in Birmingham, AL, where he was an All-Statewide receiver also playing basketball and baseball. Robert received a full football scholarship to attend Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green, Kentucky. Robert left a legacy behind at WKU ending his career as the most productive tight end in WKU history, setting records for catches (119) and receiving yards (1,445) by a tight end. Those numbers stood for over two decades. While at WKU not only was Robert catching footballs, but he also caught and won the heart of the love of his life Lisa Hunt. Lisa an art major knew nothing of sports, but she knew she had found her soulmate. Robert and Lisa were married December 22, 1990, in Beaver Dam, Kentucky. Upon graduating in 1992, from WKU with a Bachelor’s Degree in Education, Robert was a first-round draft pick for the Philadelphia Eagles. Not knowing for sure what the future would hold, Robert was off to the big league. Lisa wished him well telling him to break a leg and he did just that (by accident). This did not discourage Robert as he continued his love for football as a coach at Ohio County High School, Apollo High School, Owensboro, KY and Kentucky Wesleyan College, Owensboro, Kentucky.
Robert touched the lives of many young boys not only in those school systems but also as a teacher at Green River Boys Camp, in Cromwell, KY, 5-6 Center in Owensboro, KY, Earle Clements Job Corp, Morganfield, KY, and the Butler County Alternative Middle School, Morgantown, KY. Being able to help guide the lives of young men resonated deep in Robert’s soul. Robert retired from the Green River Correctional Complex, Central City, KY after10 years.
Robert was known nationwide and abroad for his famous cheesecakes. Shipping cakes to China, New York, Alabama, wherever the call came from and whatever kind of cheesecake you wanted, TLC Cheesecake was there to deliver (recipe left to his children Robert & LaDasia).
But cheesecake was not the only thing Robert was noted for. July Fest was Robert’s celebration of all the July birthdays in the family. He would serve up his ribs, smoked bologna, polish sausage and Googly-Goo (recipe left to LaDasia).
Robert was blessed not only with his wife Lisa “Lucy, but with two beautiful children LaDasia and Robert III. Robert was a former Pastor and worshipped with the Asbury United Methodist Church, Owensboro, KY.
The memories and the stories Robert’s family and friends have will forever be a part of the life and legacy of Rev. Robert Curtis Coates, Jr. whereas he received eternal rest for his soul, on Saturday, March 1, 2025.
To cherish his memory he leaves, wife, Lisa “Lucy” Coates; daughter, LaDasia “Mook” Coates; son, Robert “Tre” Coates, III; a granddaughter that adored her G-pop, Leilani Jones, “G-baby” siblings, Arthur Coates, Jerry Lee (Chakeshia) Watts, Richard (Ashleigh) Strong, Demilous (Artika) Coates, Daryl Coates and Simon Coates; mother in-law, Linda Moss “Mama Lou”; brother in-laws, Timothy “Timmy” Hunt and Christopher “Bo” Moss, several nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Along with his parents Robert was preceded in death by siblings, Geraldine Little-Price, James Simmons, Castldera (Patricia) Watts, Darcus Coates and Yvonne Coates.
Visitation
MAR 6. 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM (CT)
Visitation
MAR 7. 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM (CT)
Funeral Service
MAR 7. 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM (CT)
Burnam & Son Mortuary, Inc.
201 Center Street
Bowling Green, KY 42101
burnamson@mw.twcbc.com
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