Benjamin Martin Moates

Benjamin Martin Moates, 67, passed away Thursday, February 18, 2021, at Southeast Health from complications of COVID19. Services are scheduled for Monday, February 22, 2021 at 2:30 P.M. at Searcy Funeral Home and Crematory Chapel with Pastor Bill Kidwell and Brother Larry Harrison officiating. The family will receive friends at 12:30. A private interment will be held at Meadowlawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to: Wesley Chapel Building Fund, 2331 County Road 56, Enterprise, AL 36330. Ben was a 1972 graduate of Enterprise High School and attended Enterprise State Junior College. He was a graduate of the State of Alabama Law Enforcement Academy. Before Ben became a law enforcement volunteer and professional, he farmed with his father and brother on Martin Moates Farms, Enterprise. His law enforcement career began as a volunteer under Sheriff Brice Paul and progressed throughout the years culminating in his successful terms as Sheriff of Coffee County for 12 years. He was an active member of Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church, a volunteer fire fighter with Tri-Communities Fire Department and was involved with Iron Warrior Motorcycle Club. He participated monthly in the Methodist Food Bank distribution and was “on call” for his 98 year old Aunt Tommye. He was a man of compassion, concern and equality for all. Ben was preceded in death by his parents, Martin and Jeanette Moates and his sister, Emily Sawyer. He is survived by his wife, Jill Carmichael Moates; his step-daughters, Jana Emfinger and Jenna Deal; step-granddaughters, Lailyn Medley and Kaylee Crook. He is also survived by his sister, Rebecca (Becky) Cain (Dennis); his brother David Moates (Joan); his aunt, Tommye Byrd and several nieces and nephews who loved him dearly. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Benjamin Martin Moates, please visit our flower store.