Monday memorial service for Joe Coates to include first responder honors

CHARLESTON COUNTY, S.C. (WCBD) – A memorial service will be held Monday for Charleston County’s former emergency management director.

Joe Coates, 45, died on May 31 following a three-year battle with cancer. He was surrounded by family at the time of his death.

A funeral service will be held Sunday in West Ashley; however, a memorial service with first responder honors will take place at 11 a.m. Monday at Mount Pleasant Presbyterian Church, followed by followed by a graveside service at Mt. Pleasant Memorial Gardens.

Parking for the service will be limited and shuttles will be offered for those attending the memorial. 

Coates was appointed director of Charleston County Emergency Management in January 2022 after serving as interim director since July 2021. He began working with the county in 2008.

“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,” his obituary read.

“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,” it continued.

For additional details regarding Monday’s memorial service, or information on parking and shuttles, please click here.