Wilford Andrew Coates, 71, of Nanjemoy, Maryland.

Peacefully, Wilford Andrew Coates transitioned from this earthly life into eternal joy on Friday, October 8, 2021 at Veterans Administration Hospital in Washington, DC.

Wilford was born on December 10, 1949 in St. Mary's County, Maryland to the late Noble and Mary Frances (Ross) Coates. He accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized under the leadership of Reverend William Leach at the Oak Grove Baptist Church, Nanjemoy, MD. Wilford was educated in the Charles County public school system and was a 1967 graduate of La Plata High School.

After high school, Wilford was employed at Cobey Construction Company for a short time and the U.S. Treasury Department for several years. He was a hard worker and worked various full and part time jobs and at times held down two eight-hour jobs simultaneously.

Wilford volunteered and joined the U.S. Army. He stepped up on his own and did not wait to be drafted to serve in the Vietnam war. One of his proudest accomplishments was serving as a Paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne. He often showed a photo of himself parachuting from an airplane. Wilford was awarded the Combat Infantryman Badge in November 1969.  He was proud to be a Veteran and would let you know that he did his part and served his country.

Wilford was a fun-loving person and enjoyed being around family and friends, talking, joking, and just having a good time. He had a special place in his heart for his daughters and grandchildren. He enjoyed sports and was an avid Redskins fan. One of his most prized possessions was his Redskin jacket with faded original team logo.

In addition to his parents, Wilford was preceded in death by his grandparents, John Henry and Madeline Ross; and siblings, Doretha Harris, Clinton Coates, Clarence Coates, and Joyce "Ann" Wilson.

Leaving to cherish his memories are: five children, LaTonya Coates, IShine  Thompson (Eli), Africa Washington (Keith), Mia Coates, and Naduasca Verette (Calvin); grandchildren: Myles Tucker, Zoe Tucker, Camille Edewor, Essence Thompson, Nylah Thompson, Kevin Kelly Jr, Kaila Tibbs, Makayla Washington, Kennedy Tibbs, Kiersten Washington, Skie Blue Verette, King Verette, Messiah Verette, Queen Verette, Reign Verette, and Legend Verette; two sisters, Vivian Coates and Carolyn Coates-Riddick; two brothers-in-law, James Harris and Johnie Riddick; two aunts, Bonita Ross and Delphie Ross; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

Viewing, 9:00 a.m. until time of Celebration of Life, 10:00 a.m., Friday, October 22, 2021 in the Chapel of Thornton Funeral Home, P.A., 3439 Livingston Road,  Indian Head, Maryland 20640.  Interment, 12:30 p.m., Quantico National Cemetery, 18424 Joplin Road, Triangle, Virginia 22172.

On Friday, October 22nd, at 10:00 a.m., please click on the link below to live stream the service.

Please make sure when viewing the services that the volume located in the right lower corner (where it says "live") on the viewing screen is turned up (the bars should be blue).

The streaming will begin after the final family viewing.  Therefore, there may be a delay before the service appears on the screen. Thank you.

https://www.thorntonfuneralhomepa.com/live-stream