Joseph Aloysius Coates Iv

Celebrating the life and service of Joseph Aloysius Coates IV:

With profound sadness, we announce the passing of Joseph Aloysius Coates IV, on May 31, 2024, surrounded by family following a courageous three-year battle with cancer. Joe Coates, 45, of Daniel Island, SC was a beloved husband and father, dedicated son and brother, cherished friend, and devoted public servant.

Joe was born on August 18, 1978, to Sue and Joe Coates III, in Charleston, SC, and raised in Mt. Pleasant, SC. From a young age, Joe exhibited a remarkable sense of responsibility and care for others; these qualities would go on to define his personal and professional life.

Joe loved, cherished, and provided for his family with a devotion that was beautiful to witness. He had a true servant’s heart and always made time for friends and the community. He was known as a “go-to” for everything. Water is dripping from the light fixture in the kitchen? Call Joe Coates. Should we evacuate? Call Joe Coates. Need a ride home? Call Joe Coates. He was always there to help.

In high school, Joe earned the rank of Eagle Scout, which shaped his future as a true servant leader, embodying the qualities of trustworthiness, loyalty, helpfulness, friendliness, courteousness, kindness, obedience, cheerfulness, thriftiness, bravery, cleanliness, and reverence. He later shared this passion with his sons and other youth in the Lowcountry by serving as the Scoutmaster of Scout Troop 519 on Daniel Island.

Joe attended Francis Marion University where he met his wife, Jessica, and was an active member of the Delta Tau Chapter of Kappa Alpha Order. He was recently inducted into the Frampton Province Court of Honor for being a distinguished alumnus who gave his time, energy, and service to KA. Joe later earned a Degree in Emergency and Disaster Management from American Military University.

Joe went on to a career working in Emergency Management for Charleston County, where he served for over 15 years, and advanced to become the Director of Emergency Management. In this role, Joe was instrumental in developing comprehensive emergency response plans that have safeguarded countless lives and properties. His leadership was marked by a calm and steady hand, ensuring the community's resilience and recovery. In honor of his leadership, the Charleston County Emergency Operations Center was renamed the Joseph A. Coates Emergency Operations Center.

While his life’s accomplishments were many, Joe’s greatest honor and focus was always his family. He built a beautiful life alongside his family on Daniel Island, and he is survived by his wife Jessica and their three children – Joseph “Jac” Aloysius Coates V (17), Brett Goss (22), and Meredith Goss (25); his parents Susan (Dunbar) and Joseph A. Coates III; his siblings Steven (Jamie) Coates and Peggy (Jason) Humphrey; four nieces and two nephews; and countless more family members and friends.

Even in the midst of his battle with cancer, Joe continued to be a beacon of positivity, love, and service to all those who knew him. He was a man of deep faith who never shied away from telling others about the love of Jesus and his trust in God even through cancer. Though he will be greatly missed, there is comfort in knowing he is now healed and whole in the presence of Jesus.

In celebration of Joe’s life, the family will receive visitors between 2:00 and 5:00 PM, on Sunday, June 9, 2024, at James A. McAlister Funeral Home, 1620 Savannah Hwy, West Ashley, SC.

A memorial service with first responder honors will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, June 10, 2024, at Mount Pleasant Presbyterian Church, 300 Hibben St., Mt. Pleasant, SC. The memorial service will be followed by a graveside service at Mt. Pleasant Memorial Gardens, 1308 Mathis Ferry Rd., Mt. Pleasant, SC. The Service will be live streamed at www.mppc.net .

Special Note: Parking for the Memorial Service will be tight. Please text JOECOATES to 333111 for parking and service updates. A shuttle service will be offered.

Additionally, in lieu of flowers and in honor of Joe's memory, contributions to the Joe Coates Memorial Fund can be made. This fund will continue to provide support that he so selflessly offered to his family. Your generosity will honor his legacy of care and compassion. Details on the fund and how to contribute will be forthcoming.

Arrangements by James A. McAlister, Inc., 1620 Savannah Hwy, Charleston 843-766-1365.