Richard (Dick) Harris Coates, 99½ years old, of Valrico, FL, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his children and went home to be with the Lord on August 26, 2020. He was born February 11, 1921, in Fitzgerald, GA, moved to Gainesville, FL at an early age and grew up in High Springs, FL.  At the age of 20, he moved to Tampa when hired by the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad where he worked for a total of 42 years.  His tenure was interrupted when he joined the Army to proudly serve his country during World War II in the Pacific theater.  He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and great-great-grandfather.  He was a member of Tampa/Riverhills Church of God and continually attended since October 1941. He was very strong in his faith.  For many years he and his wife, Lois, served as Sunday School teachers for the youth.  He was also a church Boy Scout leader.  He was a player/manager for the church softball team, as well as a player/manager for the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad softball team.  After retiring from being an active softball player, he was hired as an umpire for the City of Tampa Recreation Department.  He was a lifetime member of the Georgia Salzburger Society, the Florida Sheriff's Association, and the American Legion.  He was an avid blood donor giving just shy of eight gallons.  He was a charter member of the WWII Museum.  He was also a member of numerous civic organizations including the Republican Presidential Task Force, The Heritage Foundation, the National Association of Retired Railroad Employees and many others.  He loved traveling with his wife and family throughout the United States and Canada for many years. Dick was a dedicated prayer warrior.  Before breakfast every morning, he would spend about an hour in his prayer room.  He committed to praying 30 minutes every day for the President of the United States and our government leaders.  He also prayed an additional half hour for his family and friends. He is preceded in death by his wife, Lois Thomas Coates, to whom he was married to for almost 78 years; his parents, Julia Cora and William Taff Coates; and two brothers and three sisters.  Dick is survived by his five children, Karen (Harvey) Tucker, Brenda Gamberton, Marilou (Fred) Grimes, Rhonda (Ron) Noland, and Rick (Mary Anne) Coates; 17 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren; and 8 great-great grandchildren; dearly beloved sister, Ida Coates Palmer; beloved sisters-in-law Alice Thomas Hedrick and Esther Smith Thomas, and numerous nieces and nephews. There will be a visitation on Friday, September 11, from 4-5 p.m. at Riverhills Church of God with the service immediately following.  Graveside service will be held on Saturday, September 12, at 12 noon at the High Springs Cemetery, High Springs, FL. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Riverhills Church of God Missions.