ARVONIA, Nov. 30 – Wilford Thompson Coates “Bill,” 82, of Arvonia, passed away at his home on Saturday, November 20, 2010. He was preceded in death by his wife, Nancy (Nee Schepers) Coates; parents, John R. Sr. and Louise T. Coates, and brothers, Harold J. and James A. Coates.

Mr. Coates was a charter member of the 82nd Airborne Division Association, Virginia State Chapter. He was an Army veteran.

He is survived by a son, Scott; sister, Virginia C. Griswold, and a brother, John B. Coates Jr.

A graveside funeral service will be held at a later date, in the spring, in the Thompson Family Cemetery, in Piney River, Nelson County.

Dunkum Funeral Home, Dillwyn, is in charge of arrangements.