Richard and Kay (Pegg) Coates of Rougemont, NC celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on June 12, 2010 at a dinner party hosted by their children. They were married June 12, 1960 at the First Baptist Church in New Martinsville. Kay is the daughter of the late Kenneth and Helen Pegg of New Martinsville. Richard is the son of the late Charles and Margaret Coates of Monroeville, Pa.

They are the parents of seven children: Richard (Ann) Coates of Durham, N.C.; Ken (Kim) Coates of Efland, N.C.; David (Lisa) Coates of Scottsburg, Ind.; Marla (Chris) Jollie of Timberlake, N.C.; John (Christine) Coates of Rougemont, N.C.; Michael (Christine) Coates of Rougemont, N.C.; and Joseph Coates of Rougemont, N.C.

They have 20 grandchildren: Ashley (Coates) Patterson, Steven and Molly (Coates) Pena, Nicholas Coates, Alan Coates, Kurt and Melissa (Coates) Doellinger, Joshua and Danielle Coates, Cassidy Coates, Jessica Coates, Hudson Coates, Harrison Coates, Alex Kholhorst, Jacob Kholhorst, Reyken Jollie, Rachel Coates, Alex Coates, Benjamin Coates, and Grace Coates. Four great-grandchildren complete the family: Gavin Patterson, Kyler Patterson, Kayleigh Judy, and Sophie Pena.

Richard worked for Mobay for 25 years. After moving to North Carolina, Richard and Kay operated a full service florist shop for 11 years. Richard is retired and enjoys doing woodworking. Kay still works as an office manager for her son John’s business and during her spare time enjoys gardening and doing custom embroidery. Their greatest joy is having their family close by.

Richard and Kay will further celebrate their anniversary in October, with a cruise to New England/Nova Scotia/Canada, given as a gift by their children.