Brian Keith Coatney

Brian Keith Coatney was born to the late Mr. Beverlay and Mrs. Mae Coatney on December 15, 1974, in Dayton Ohio. He was called home on June 13, 2021. Brian grew up in Dayton, Ohio and was a graduate of Belmont High School’s class of 1994. He went on to attend Sinclair Community College and Wilberforce University, where he earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Business. He also earned his Master’s Degree in Business Management from Wilberforce University. Brian’s keen business acumen and warm personality led him to a successful career with some of Dayton’s most respected organizations; Dayton Daily Newspaper, Reynolds and Reynolds, and MSC Industrial Supply and Tool Company. It also fueled his entrepreneurial drive to start his own business with his grade school friend Steve Hall. His shoe and custom clothing brand was well-known in the Dayton metropolitan area.  

Brian wed his lovely wife Ulissa, whom he affectionately called “Baby,” on August 28, 2004. 

Their love story began twenty-three years ago when Brian asked his future bride out on a date, because they both worked in the same building. From then on their friendship continued to grow, even after he spilled Ulissa’s dinner on their first date. This love story blossomed into a beautiful union and lifelong partnership. Brian enjoyed traveling with his wife domestically and internationally.    

Brian was a beloved family man and will be remembered as a father figure to many. He enjoyed making everyone laugh and he never met a stranger. He was a great source of wisdom, sports analysis and sound counsel to his family, friends, nieces and nephews. He was known for his stern but truthful dialogue, which was always accompanied with a warm hug or smile. If ever he was needed, Brian was always there! Brian was a member of Shiloh Baptist Church. During his teenage years he would attend regularly and he enjoyed being a junior usher. Brian was grateful for his religious upbringing and his favorite Bible passage was Psalms 27.

Brian enjoyed all sports, but his favorites were basketball and football. As a child, he was often found in the Trotwood area playing basketball with his brothers and cousins for over ten hours a day. They would freeze gallons of water for their all day basketball-a-thons. Brian’s love for basketball continued into high school and college. He played varsity basketball for the Belmont Bisons for three years and two years for Sinclair Community College. His favorite sports teams were his beloved Dallas Cowboys and the Boston Celtics. Even in their worst seasons, Brian was still a true fan and often cheered and traveled to games.

Brian was preceded in death by his father Beverlay Coatney. He leaves to cherish his memory, his devoted wife, Ulissa Coatney, loving mother, Mae Coatney, four brothers, Archie Steward, Kevin Steward Sr., Corey (Tameesha) Coatney of Washington, D.C., Rodney (Denia) Coatney Sr., of Chicago, Illinois and one sister Isis (Les) Claytor, one brother-in-law Robert Greene. Nieces: Tyana, Kierra Clayton, Jalyn Clayton, Trinity, Breanna Mathews, Shy’Auna Stewart, Latoya (Rick) Johnson, Delaney, and Cori. Nephews: Nasir Clayton, and Rodney Jr., Kevin Steward Jr., De’Angelo Watts, Tyler Steward, Tyler Carter, Robbie (Claudia) Carter. Uncles: Lawrence (Brenda) Walker Sr., Gary Embry, Edward Walker, Sr., Samuel (Sylvia) Coatney, Clem (Mary) Caldwell. Aunts: Sylvia Wright, Patricia Wrighter, Margie Williams and Annie Wallace. Cousins: Jonathan (Rainbow) Smith, Willie (Loretta) Jackson, Paul Coatney, Sonya Daniels, Raymond Huntley Jr., Dennis (Robin) Coatney, Jr., Shawn Coatney, Cindy Coatney, Vicki Smith, Chris Walker, Jason Walker, Yolanda (Mark Hearn, Ladonia Coatney, Anitra Coatney, Korina Coatney, Alysa Walker, Monique Green, Rena Sanders, Lawrence Walker Jr., Cordell Walker, Tawana Embry, Kenneth Walker, Ahmad Embry, Ashley Cremeans, Adrian Cremeans, Anthony Cremeans, Eddie Walker Jr., Michelle Walker, Shirley (Jack) Jackson and a Childhood friend Steve Hall.

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