Willie was such an “old soul” and a beautiful one at that. So wise for such a young man, I absolutely loved that about him. His drive to excel was inspiring. I am so blessed to have had the opportunity to know him, to love him. My heart brakes for all of his loved ones. A beautiful soul is never lost, you shall live within all of those who loved you!

Willie was a part of our family for a few years but we loved him as if he was our blood relative. I thought of him as a nephew. He was always humble and kind. Always trying to get somewhere fast, always wanted to be better, and always loved my niece Gracie. They were so adorable together and I always imagined how beautiful their kids would have been together. They had their issues but I always believed they would have found a way back to each other. They were each other’s one true love.

We will always wonder what if but now have to accept what is. Prayers to the friends and family of Willie’s. We will always love and miss you.

This really hurts deep.

From the time Willie moved in with my sister Grace and Mark I considered Willie my nephew. He was very respectful and nice young man, Willie would reach out and help you with anything. I remember the first Christmas that Willie spent with our family and he had tears in his eyes for all the Christmas gifts he got from our family. I knew he needed clothes so everyone bought him clothes he got stocked up and when he gave me a hug I still remember his words Sue you shouldn’t have but thank you so much. That’s the day I told him you are part of this family now and my nephew. Blood is blood but family is and will always be family. I love you my adopted nephew and you better believe you are and will always be missed. I don’t know what happened but I was shocked and couldn’t believe it I will miss you Willie Coates and that smile of yours. Fly high Angel!

I worked alongside Willie at Granados Tire. He was a great friend and an even better coworker. He taught me all there is to know about my job, and always pushed me to try new things in order to grow my knowledge of fixing cars. I wouldn’t be where I am today without his help. Willie was a joy to be around and certainly made the downtime at work more fun. He was sarcastic, but quite caring, and I appreciated that most whenever he helped me. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

I want to send my condolences to his family and friends. He was a very respectable young man, and he always had the cutest smile. I really liked him as a friend. Willie, you will truly be missed. There are a lot of people that really loved you and will miss you. prayers ???? to his family