Obituary of Branch Potter Coats

Branch Potter Coats, 87 of Cortland passed away May 16, 2010 in Cortland Regional Medical Center . Branch was born March 17, 1923 in Cortland, the son of the late Levier and Blanche Potter Coats. Branch had been a lifelong resident of Cortland . He graduated from Cortland Senior High School and went to CCBI in Syracuse before joining the Navy. He saw action in the Pacific stationed aboard the USS Canberra. After the War, he returned home and worked as a bookkeeper at 1st National Bank, Ames Print Shop, Farmers Syndicate Cortland and Ames Chevrolet. For several years he commuted to Ithaca where he was employed at Johnsons Boat Yard. Finally he worked for New York State Electric And Gas Company where he worked until his retirement. He was a volunteer driver for the American Cancer Society and a member of Y's men club. Branch was an avid collector of antiques and loved "garage sale-ing". In his younger years he was a Boy Scout. Branch was a member of the Homer Avenue United Methodist Church , and former member of theFirst Methodist Church on Church Street. Branch is survived by his wife of 65 years Betty Ellsworth Coats of Cortland, his sons Richard (Mary Beth), Gary (Deborah) Coats both of Cortland , and James (Darlene) Coats of Buffalo, his grandchildren Chad (Melody), Matthew(Johanna), Andrew (Megan), Adam, Amanda , Mac, and Emily. Branch is also survived by his Sister-in-Law Barbara E. Ames, three great grandsons and several nieces and nephews. Arrangements have been made by the Wright-Beard Funeral Home. Friends are invited to call on Thursday, May 27 where family will be present from 6:00 -8:00 p.m. Funeral Services will be held on Friday, May 28 at 9:30 a.m. at the Wright-Beard Funeral Home. Interment will immediately follow at the Cortland Rural Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Homer Avenue Methodist Church or the Cortland Regional Medical Center. To offer on line condolences visit www.wright-beard.com Jim - I'm so very sorry to hear of your loss. May you find comfort in knowing that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Beth Ann Haseley wish I'd known Mr. Coats better. He must have been a very loving person to have had as dear a family as yours. My condolences to you all. Joni Flatt