William "Keith" Coats

Born in Texas in 1952, Keith passed away peacefully at the age of 73. He was a husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend whose life was defined by hard work, entrepreneurial spirit, and deep love for his family.

Keith met the love of his life, Shirley, at a young age. Their love story was one of partnership and perseverance, building a life and legacy side by side.

Keith and Shirley began their journey together in Cleveland, Texas, where they ran a small burger joint and established the strong work ethic that would shape the rest of their lives. In time, they moved to Houston, taking on various jobs as they pursued bigger dreams. Keith was a man of many talents—mechanic, welder, business owner, and visionary. He founded Keith’s Storage Lot and Wrecker Service, a salvage yard in Houston, and later launched a successful metal recycling business.

A lifelong learner, Keith was always reading, researching, and diving deep into his interests. Together, he and Shirley also found success in real estate investment. Their focus was always forward—building not only for themselves but for the generations to come. Whatever the venture, Keith approached it with passion, commitment, and an unwavering drive to succeed.

Keith had a lifelong passion for cars and hot rods, often buying and restoring them with Shirley by his side. They attended countless swap meets, sharing a love for the craft and the community that came with it. Longing for country living, the couple purchased land in Crockett, Texas, where they raised Black Angus cattle and horses which began another dream brought to life through hard work and shared vision. They had many dogs and cats as they could never let a stray pass through without welcoming it into their home.

When it was time to relax, Keith enjoyed trips to Las Vegas and Louisiana, trying his hand at the craps table where he was, a lucky man. He approached life much like he approached those tables—with confidence, strategy, and a spark of fun.

Keith leaves behind a legacy of resilience and integrity. He taught us the value of hard work, the joy of chasing dreams, and the importance of doing it all with the ones you love most.

Keith was preceded in death by his parents, James and Maurine; beloved wife, Shirley Jean Coats; brother, Emmett Wayne Coats; sister Patricia Brown. He is survived by his daughter, Tammy Gourley and her husband Kennith Gourley; son William Coats Jr. and his wife Kelley Coats; daughter Cyndi McShan and husband Bobby McShan; and grandchildren; Wesley, Megan, Taylor, Lauren, Payton and Gracyn; and great-grandchildren; Camden, Willow, and Colston; along with numerous other family and friends.

Celebration of Life is scheduled for Saturday, August 2,2025 at 10:30 AM at Pace-Stancil Funeral Home Chapel with Chaplain Alberto Gonzalez officiating.