Mr. Earl Clifton Coates, nicknamed Bud and lovingly called "Grampy" by his grandchildren and a host of others, departed this life on Thursday, April 30, 2026, at Frederick Health Hospital.

Born on May 10, 1947, in Waterford, Virginia, Earl was the son of the late Eva Lee Coates. As one of eight children, he was raised by his devoted grandparents, Edna and Clarence Coates, in Waterford, a close-knit, family-oriented community.

Growing up alongside his siblings, cousins, and childhood friends, Earl enjoyed a childhood grounded in love, faith, and community values. He often reflected on how the adults in the neighborhood looked after one another and each other's children, truly embodying the belief that "it takes a village to raise a child."

Family was at the center of Earl's life from an early age. Meals were shared around the kitchen table, and Sundays were especially meaningful. After attending Sunday School and church services at John Wesley Methodist Church, a little church in the heart of the community, the family gathered for Sunday dinner, always welcoming anyone who stopped by. Those joyful visits, especially when children came along to play, became treasured memories Earl carried with him throughout his life.

Earl attended elementary school in Waterford and later Douglass High School in Leesburg, Virginia. During his freshman and sophomore years, he enjoyed participating in athletics and playing a variety of sports. As a young man, he chose to leave school and enter the workforce, later earning his GED. Working gave him a sense of independence and pride, knowing he could care for himself. Like many young men of his time, Earl enjoyed cruising around town in his uncle's car after getting his driver's license, making memories with friends and enjoying life.

In May 1965, upon turning eighteen, Earl registered for Selective Service. In November 1966, he was drafted into the United States Army. He completed basic training at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, and Advanced Infantry Training at Fort Dix, New Jersey, where he qualified as a Supply Clerk and Stock Control and Accounting Specialist. As the Vietnam War intensified, Earl received orders to serve overseas. He arrived in Qui Nhon, Vietnam, in October 1967 as part of the First Logistics Command and was later assigned to the 160th Heavy Equipment Maintenance Company during Phase III of the Vietnam Counter Offensive. His duties included supplying parts needed to repair military vehicles and heavy equipment, including jeeps, trucks, and tanks.

Earl honorably served his country on active duty from 1966 to 1968, attaining the rank of Specialist 5 (SP5-T, E-5). For his faithful service, he was awarded the Vietnam Service Medal and received an Honorable Discharge.

After returning home, Earl worked with various construction companies and then began his federal career as a part-time temp with the United States Postal Service, eventually becoming a Bulk Mail Technician, a position he held until his retirement in 2003 after 30 years of service.

Earl also shared his musical gifts for many years as the bass guitarist for The Guiding Lights gospel group. He was a faithful member of Ebenezer AME Church in Brunswick, Maryland, where he served diligently as a Trustee. He was active in the American Legion, the FOE (Eagles), and the AMVETS. His warm spirit, dedication to service, and love of fellowship touched countless lives.

Earl's favorite teams were the Tennessee Titans, the New York Yankees, the New York Knicks, and any team playing against the Washington Commanders or the Dallas Cowboys.  His favorite shows included Westerns, where he watched reruns as if they were new episodes.  Earl was known for his wonderful sense of humor and his many original sayings, such as "fair to-middlin," "you didn't hear it from me, but…" or "when I was a little boy." And of course, he was known for his infamous fried potatoes. Earl was considered the "newspaper/news anchor" of Brunswick and the "free" Uber driver for anyone who needed a ride. He loved his Veterans' Day free meals and hanging with his buddies at the Legion and the Eagles.  He also enjoyed his social gatherings at the Weis Market, Walgreens, the Dollar Store, the Wintergreen Lane community mailbox, or any parking lot he happened to be in. He was friendly and never met a stranger; he knew everybody…everywhere.

Above all, Earl cherished his family. He shared 55 devoted years of marriage with his wife, Kaye. Together, they built a loving family and a legacy that will continue for generations to come. Family was everything to Earl.  He was a proud father of two daughters, Tamala Sappington and Angela Daly, a grandfather of nine, and a great-grandfather of nine. His grandchildren and great-grandchildren brought him immeasurable joy, and he treasured every moment with them.

In addition to his mother and grandparents, Earl was preceded in death by his granddaughter, Tara Daly; his great-grandson, Phoenix Ford; his sister, Brenda Coates; his two brothers, Reginald and Tony Coates; and his aunt, Elaine Henderson.

Left to cherish his precious memory are his beloved wife, Kaye; his daughters, Tamala (David) and Angela (Ray); his eight grandchildren (Falyne, Marcus, Katelyne, Liz, Derek, Cory, Isaiah, Mayah); and eight great-grandchildren (Paityne, Keeley, Jaxson, Bryxx, Charlie, Olivia, Kasey, and Kyler); his sisters, Bonita "Bonnie" Jackson of Ranson, West Virginia and Claudia "Tina Sis" Smith of Winchester, Virginia; Velva Cooper, Frederick, Maryland; his brothers, Charles "Butch" Coates of Portland, Oregon; Ray "Buster" Coates of Leesburg, Virginia; Larry Brown (Annie) of Knoxville, Maryland; and Rudy Cooper (Clinett) of Frederick, Maryland; his longtime friend, Anne Whisonant; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and dear friends.

Earl's life was a testament to hard work, love of family, and service to others. His legacy will live on forever in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.