William “Bill” Edward Bates, Sr. went home to be with Jesus on August 13, 2021, at age 79 while at St. Vincent’s Riverside in Jacksonville, Florida.
Bill was born to the late Ermin and Annabella Bates on January 15, 1942, in Portsmouth, Ohio. Bill met the love of his life, Connie Marie Monk, in West Portsmouth, Ohio, and they were married on October 18, 1964. They went on to enjoy 56 years of marriage devoted to one another and their faith in Jesus. Bill lived in Portsmouth, Ohio, until he and his family moved to Princeton, West Virginia, in the mid 1970’s. They resided there until they moved to Jacksonville, Florida, in the year 2000. One of Bill’s favorite past-times was studying the Bible and typing numerous lessons covering many aspects of doctrine and Biblical faith. He was quite a conversationalist about God’s Word, and he could never fail to mention God’s goodness to him whenever he reminisced about his life. While he resided in West Portsmouth, Ohio, he held the position of deacon at Mt. Zion Apostolic Church where he and his wife were Sunday school teachers and youth leaders. Bill loved to laugh and tell stories about his childhood and youth. Everyone who met him loved his sense of humor. He especially loved his pets. He was always calling them, Papaw’s babies, and they kept him company especially once he was wheelchair-bound.
Bill was preceded in death by his wife of 56 years, Connie, his daughter, Dewana, and one brother and two sisters, Ronnie, Cathy, and Caroline.
He is survived by two children William “Billy” (Stephanie) Bates and Sonja (Joel) Newsome all of Jacksonville, Florida; grandchildren Samantha Bates, Dejwan Bates, Joelle Newsome, Olivia Bates, and Sophia Bates all of Jacksonville, Florida; two brothers, Rick (Sandy) Bates of Portsmouth, Ohio; Mike Bates of Columbus, Ohio; and one sister, Judy Coulter of Asheville, Alabama; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and friends.
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Service Details
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Christine Henderson(Niece)
October 14, 2022, 6:44 am
I was so glad to meet you I love you n miss you .you rip uncle
Josh Lane (Great Nephew)
October 14, 2022, 6:45 am
So sorry for the loss of Uncle Bill. He was a good one for sure. I loved to hear him tell stories. He will be missed. Prayers and love from the Lane family for Bill Jr., Sonya and the rest of the family.
Pamala Lane (Niece by marriage)
October 14, 2022, 6:46 am
I loved Bill very much, He and Connie and my husband (Ron Lane) .We had so much fun cooking dinners together.We played games and truly enjoyed each others company, especially Bills funny saying and jokes!! Rest In Peace my dear and you made it home. best place to be in this time of life see you some day.