Obituaries

Gene Bates

 

 

Gene Bates, 75, of Nacogdoches passed away on Tuesday, December 19, 2017 in Nacogdoches, Texas. Gene was born in Nacogdoches, Texas on September 6, 1942, the son of Claude Bates and Inez Boatman Bates.  Memorial services for Mr. Bates will be held at 1:00PM Thursday, December 28, 2017, at Laird Funeral Home, with Bro. Sonny Scarborough officiating. 
 
Gene was born and raised in Nacogdoches, the son of Claude and Inez Boatman Bates.  He grew up with his siblings and enjoyed making memories as they played in the yard and woods.  He learned from an early age, how to fit in with any group he was around.  When he married and became a father, he realized how much love one person can have in their heart.  His family was very important to him.  Over the years, they enjoyed being together traveling in the old bus going camping and fishing, which many times included playing “telephone” at the lake.  Gene always had a good time no matter what he was doing.  Whether he was piddling around outside, working in the garden, playing 42, or telling stories and riddles to those around him, he was always happy.  He worked very hard at everything he done, including providing for his family.  Gene, also known as “Pan Handler” to his driving buddies, drove a truck for most of his life, and the workers at International Paper could set their clocks by the schedule he kept because he turned the corner every day at 2:17pm!  Racing cars on dirt tracks was something else he enjoyed.  The memories he made over the years will last a lifetime with his family and friends as they carry on his legacy of living life to the fullest.  
 
Mr. Bates is survived by his wife Patsy Bates of Center, Texas; sons, Lewis Britton and wife Bonnie of Lumberton, Texas, Tony Bates and wife Mary of Forney, Texas, and David Bates of Jasper, Texas; daughters, Kathy Beck and husband Patrick of Plano, Texas, Drenda Wilson of Tyler, Texas, Susie McCauley and husband Shay of Nacogdoches, Texas, and Brenda Hogue and husband Ronnie of Center, Texas; numerous grandchildren, numerous great grandchildren, and numerous great-great grandchildren.
 
He is preceded in death by his parents; Claude Bates and Inez Boatman Bates; son Danny Bates; brothers, Wayne Bates and Phillip Bates; sisters, Mable Butcher and Dorothy Blankenship. 
 
Honorary pallbearers are Kenneth Pate and Verdell Christopher.
 
The Bates family is being served by Laird Funeral Home. To convey condolences or to sign an online register, please visit www.lairdfh.net
 
 
 
 

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