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Roman E. Bates, 49, of Memphis, TN, died suddenly September 5, 2013 at Methodist South Hospital. He was born March 2, 1964 in Memphis, TN. He was educated in Memphis City Schools and graduated from Hamilton High School in 1982. He earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Business and Physical Education from The Ohio State University in 1987. He was a member of Metropolitan Baptist Church and was employed by United Health Care. R. S. Lewis Funeral Home has charge of services that will all be held at Metropolitan Baptist Church, 767 Walker Avenue. Omega Psi Phi Memorial Service is Monday, September 9, from 5-5:30, immediately followed by visitation until 7 p.m. Funeral services will be Tuesday, September 10, 2013 at 11 a.m. Loving memories of Roman Earl Bates will be cherished his parents, Willie Earl and Jo Ellen Bates, his grandmother, Frances Jones of Brownsville, TN, one sister, Patrice Bates Thompson, one brother-in-law, Jerry W. Thompson, one nephew, Jerry Rashaan Thompson, one niece, JoElle Simone Thompson, two aunts Barbara B. Payne and Jeanette B. Reynolds (Frank), all of Memphis, TN, and one uncle, Paul Jones of Gallatin, TN, and a host of other relatives and dear friends.
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Life can bring wonderful people in traveling your journey, some you walk by and some get your attention. Roman had that gift and left many beautiful memories behind. You were loved.
Delores
September 2, 2023
I still miss Roman dearly, He was my best friend forever.
H.Delores Curtis
Friend
September 2, 2022
One GREAT man............. just having football flashback. ROMAN 'BLUE SHOES' BATES boy you could run that thang,i remember on sideline against Northside you said i just need the football one more time and watch you i do ............................and you did it TD muchlove
Clark Kennard
Classmate
December 6, 2017
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always. - Rest in peace.
Charles James
July 14, 2014
The true Essence of Life is rooted in our contribution. You left an impact on Humanity.
Thanx for your contribution
STEVIE CHAPMAN
July 13, 2014
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always. - Rest in peace Charles James
April 18, 2014
Missing you terribly.
April 16, 2014
Roman, you will dearly be miss, may God keep you, the Bates' family, may God keep y'all, too.
Terry Douglas
April 13, 2014
Happy Birthday my friend. I miss you and I thank God for allowing you to come into my life when I needed it most. I will forever love you and honor the friendship we had.
LaTrice
March 9, 2014
Blessings to your family! You were always so nice at OSU... And you were a friend!
Cheryl Stabler
January 3, 2014
Dad I really miss not spending quality time with you. I will always have you in my heart, your daughter Tyler. Love you the most.
December 9, 2013
The void is more real than ever. It is hard not talking to you daily. I really, really miss you.
Anita.
December 8, 2013
Roman,the holidays will not be the same without you.....
December 8, 2013
The holidays are approaching. I remember our last Christmas together... We went to IHOP!! Thank you for the memories. I am praying for your family as they establish a new normal. Things will never be the same for them. But through Christ they will make it!!!
November 18, 2013
Days are going by. Time is passing and the void of your absence is still there. I will always love you more than ever. Rest on my friend
October 21, 2013
With sincere sympathy and so much disbelief, I would like to extend my love and prayers to the Bates family. Roman was quite special and I will miss running into him and sharing our past. "Blessings to you, Dear Roman. May God shine on your face and the angels rejoice upon your arrival."
Love, Berlinda
Berlinda Williams-Strong
October 12, 2013
To the family-May God's Grace be your comfort!
Myrna Taylor
October 8, 2013
Cousin, I remember conversations with you like it was yesterday.There is not a day that goes by that you are not in my thoughts.Memories will never fade."Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am, you may be also. And you know the way to where I am going."-John 14:1-4. The heavens are rejoicing because you are there. Love U Always..
Tonya Reynolds-Griffin
October 7, 2013
I will miss you cousin, Roman.I will always remember when we talked on the phone. You said you liked Cam Newton and was going to come go to a Panthers game. You are the reason I play football.
Graham griffin
October 7, 2013
You were so alive, so inspiring, so motivating even when we were not in agreement on things. It is hard coming to terms that you are no longer with us, but God knows best, and I have to accept that. I will keep you and your memories alive in my heart. The strong present you had will always be with me.
October 5, 2013
I have to accept that we won't run into each other at Walmart or pass each other on the street or occasionally converse or text each other. I have to accept that I won't ever hear your laugh or see your smile. I have to accept that you are truly gone.This still doesn't seem real. But I have to accept what God allows. I will always love you!! Thank you for loving me.
My prayers are with your family and friends.
October 2, 2013
Roman inspired so many. He was my classmate and my neighbor. God Bless the Bates family. Hamilton c/o 82
Derick Bond
September 30, 2013
Roman you were my breath when I could not breathe, you were my eyes when I could not see, you picked me up when I would fall. I'm every thing I am because you loved me. LOL
Delores Curtis
September 29, 2013
Roman you were my breath when I could not breathe, you were my eyes when I could not see, you picked me up when I would fall. I'm every thing I am because you loved me.
Delores Curtis
September 29, 2013
I was just informed of Roman's death. I extend my condolences to the family. It is truly because of Roman that I am an insurance agent today. He didn't get me into the business, but it was his competitive spirit that we vied for top agent. He kept the excitement in the business.
LINDA LEMONS-WALKER
September 27, 2013
My condolences and prayers are with the family during this time of bereavement.
Lorretta Saines Gibson
September 23, 2013
To the Bates Family, may the peace of God fill your hearts as you cherish the memory of Roman. We will continue to pray for you all.
Tonya Smith
September 19, 2013
It has been a heartbreaking moment just knowing that we will no longer see you or be able to talk with you!Although years have passed since our childhood when we really talked and played together as children in church and at school!Friends will always be friends no matter how much time or distance separates you!I have a lot of fond memories of our childhood at church and at home!May you rest in peace,score some touchdowns for us in heaven and know that you will be forever loved and never forgotten! Roman"Blue Shoes"Bates gone to soon,but forever in our hearts
James "Chucky" Harris
September 19, 2013
P T
September 18, 2013
God Bless you and Family.
Patricia Alexander
September 18, 2013
I'm still in shock... But God knows best. I will cherish our short time together forever in my heart. I will always love you.
September 17, 2013
MY Prayers are with the family. Roman was my First Best Friend and will forever Be.
GREGORY WILKS
September 16, 2013
I love u cousin! There has not been a day or moment passing where I'm not thinking of u . Sydney and I miss u and will cherish the wonderful memories. Until we meet again cousin . .....
Sonya Reynolds Steinberg
September 16, 2013
Patrice, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I spoke with Carolyn and she told me. May you and your family find peace during this most difficult time. Joyce Niter
September 16, 2013
Mrs. Bates,
I'm praying for you and your family. May God continue to sustain you.
Hettye Peterson
September 16, 2013
Earth has no sorrow that heaven can not heal. My God comfort you through your pain. Bill Warr class of '71.
Bill Warr
September 13, 2013
Mrs. Bates, My prayers are with you and your family, in the passing of your son. Pam Williams/Fairley HS/Class of 1977.
September 13, 2013
Joyce Dawson
September 13, 2013
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Bates & Thompson families. May the peace of God rest upon you all now & forever. Roman touched many lives now he has taken his rest with the Holy Father. Rest In Him my friend.
Michelle Sanders
September 12, 2013
I will never forget you Roman. You're in my heart forever.
LaTrice
September 12, 2013
May the grace and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with all the family and close one. He was so proud of his nephew who scheduled to attend the Naval Academy. He was one of our favorite patients and we will most certainly miss him.
Dr. Erskine Williams
Williams Family Chiropractic
September 12, 2013
You and I worked out alot, pushing each other to get better while our lives centered around football at that time. The encouragement you gave me I will always cherish. You were definelty a Blessing for God. You will be missed.
Tarrius Gray
Hillcrest High C/O 83
September 12, 2013
To Willie Earl and Joe Ellen Bates and family, the Curtis family is saddened about Roman, he was dear to all of us. We know that God has him in a marvelous place. He is running with angels. We loved Roman
Delores Curtis
September 12, 2013
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
BTW Class of 1960
September 11, 2013
MY PRAYERS GOES OUT TO THE BATES FAMILY,MAY GOD BE WITH YOU ALL THREW THIS TIME,ROMAN YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN.
KATHY HAYES
September 11, 2013
Our deepest sympathy to the family of a love young man.
Annice Wilhite
September 11, 2013
To the Bates Family
Roman will truly be missed. We also lost a brother, confidant and true friend. He had been our customer for over 20 years. We love you Roman.
Laura & Kathy & all the folks at the shop
September 11, 2013
To the Bates Family
I prayers are Truly with you at this time, I was stunned to hear of Roman's passing. I send my deepest regards that I was unable to attend the service for my classmate and neighbor, but I want to extend sympathy from the Massey Family, Nina Shelia, Bill and Mae.
Love
Nina Massey Dixon
Nina Massey-Dixon
September 11, 2013
MY DEEPEST CONDOLENCES TO THE BATES & THOMPSON FAMILY. GRIEF CAN BE SO HARD BUT, SPECIAL MEMORIES WILL HELP YOU COPE.
Anesicia Evans
September 11, 2013
May God wrap his arms around this family during this very difficult time. RIP Roman! God just got another Buckeye to watch over!
Troy Shockley
September 11, 2013
Mrs. Bates and family,
I am saddened to hear about the home-going of your son. I pray that you will find consolation in the scriptures and peace in quiet prayer.
Trent Cobb
September 10, 2013
My heart felt sympathy goes out to t Bates family, May the presence of the lord get you through this difficult time.
Yvonne Mosby-Starks
September 10, 2013
I didn't know Roman personally, but have heard a lot about him when he played football for Hamilton.
My heart goes out to his family. May God bless each & everyone.
Anthony Jones
September 10, 2013
I KNOW COACH "DUMP" IS HAPPY TO SEE YOU AGAIN AND RIP MY LONG TIME FRIEND :-)
STANLEY K. WILLIAMS
September 10, 2013
ROMAN WILL BE CARRYING FOR THE FATHER WHILE GAINING HIS WINGS. RIP
DARRELL BOYD SR
September 10, 2013
Words can't even describe how my heart feels right now. Roman was truly a guy that had a BIG HEART and love everybody. The Alcy community has lost not only a friend but we lost a brother. Tommorrow is never promise to any of us but deep down in my soul I know for a fact that Roman E. Bates has his wings and he is happy up there in heaven. To to my friend/brother I will miss blowing my horn at you as I turned on Johanna to go to my parents house or just stop and say hey what's going on with you. So you rest in peace and may you have every lasting peace in our father house. Until I meet you again on that Grand Old Day.
Trudy Turner-Long
September 10, 2013
My prayers go out to the Bates family. I know your hearts are heavy now and you will always have Roman in your hearts. He will be missed by more people around the country you can imagine. Like John Wooldridge said earlier we share the same bond of being Ohio State Buckeyes as freshmen in 1982 Ohio State hasn't had that many great running backs since. Roman was apart of the great history at Ohio State. He will be missed by us and his great family. My Heart is with the family.
Keith Byars
September 10, 2013
TO THE BATES FAMILY AND THE LATE MRS.BATES AND FROM THE LATE MRS.ALMETTA PATTERSON CHILGREN'S
WE SEND OUR CONDOLENCES,
PRAYERS TO WILLE EARL AND JO,AND DAUGHTER THAT GOD BE WITH YOU DURNING THIS TIME OR LOSING YOUR SON.
THE PATTERSON KIDS GREW UP WITH THE BATES KIDS AND WENT TO SCHOOL TOGETHER AND ATTEND CHURCH TOGETHER.[THE GREAT REV. S. A. OWEN] [PASTOR]METROPOLITAN CHURCH]
WE WERE NEIGHBORS AND WELL BEHAVE CHILDREN'S WE ALL GREW UP AND LOST CONTACT. BUT NEVER THE LOVE AT A TIME LIKE THIS TO SEND A HELLO AND WE ARE SO SORRY MR. AND MRS. BATES WE FEEL YOUR PAIN.I ALWAYS THINK OF THE BATES FAMIY AND JEANETTE WALKING MRS. PATTERSON TWINS TO SCHOOL AND MY BROTHER'S BECAUSE MY MOM HAD TO BE AT WORK EARLY.
I BARBARA SAVIS AND HUSBAND SEND OUR PRAYERS TO WILLIE AND WIFE[OAK GROVE KENTUCKY]
GOD BLESS
WILLIE EARL AND WIFE AND PATRICA
HIS SISTER'S
THE LATE BONNIE BATES
JEANETTA BATES REYNOLDS
BARBARA BATES PAYNE
THE LATE MRS. PATTERSON
CHILDREN'S ARE IN YOU'LL PRAYERS
THE TWINS
GERALDINE PATTERSON[BEMMIE]
BARBARA PATTERSON[SQUEEKIE]
THE PATERSON'S BOY'S
THE LATE WILLIE LEE PATTERSON
THE LATE JEAN ALICE PATTERSON
THE LATE DAVID PATTERSON
THE STILL LIVING ONES,ARE
CHARLES E. PATTERSON
ROBERT PATTERSON
PAUL A. PATTERSON
ALL LIVIG ARE IN MEMPHIS
I BARBARA SAVIS[PATTERSON]
DO NOT LIVE IN MEMPHIS.
AND HUSBAND JOE SAVIS
SEND OUR LOVE AND PRAYERS
P. O. BOX 161
OAK GROVE KY. 42262
LOVE ALL ARE YOU'LL
IT WAS A BLESSING KNOWING THE BATES FAMILY BECAUSE THEIR MOM WAS AWESOME AND STRICT LIKE MY MOM.[SMILE]
LOVE YOU'LL SQUEEKIE AND HUSBAND[JOE SAVIS]
Barbara Savis
September 10, 2013
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Devita Pitts
September 10, 2013
My prayers and sympathy for Willie Earl,a classmate of BTW and family.May the God of all comfort ,comfort you and give you peace. Love, Ethel R.Harris
Ethel Harris
September 10, 2013
My heart and prayers go out to his entire family.
Lana Alexander-Swindle
September 10, 2013
Our prayers are with the entire family may God be with you Roman will be truly missed.Darrell and Stephanie Hudson
Stephanie Hudson
September 10, 2013
Willie Earl and Family
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Addie Gray and Family
Addie Gray
September 10, 2013
So Sorry for your loss, Patrice and Bates Family. My God Comfort you during this time.
Michelle Ross Martin
September 10, 2013
My deepest thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Bates family, as we all share in his loss. Rome was the first teammate I met when I stepped onto The Ohio State University campus. He was a good person, a tremendous athlete, and a bunch of laughs. I enjoyed our years together and truly enjoyed having him as a fellow running back for the Buckeyes.
Peace to you my man!
J. Dub #25
John Wooldridge
September 10, 2013
God has called one mighty angel home. Our prayers got out.
Michael and Camille Massey
September 10, 2013
My sincere thoughts and prayers to all of the Bates' family members and friends. Roman was the first Ohio State teammate I met when I stepped foot on campus. He was a good person, a tremendous athlete and a lot of laughs. I enjoyed my time with Rome at Ohio State and really enjoyed having him as a fellow Buckeye running back. Rome, you can never be forgotten. Peace to you my man!!
J. Wooldridge #25
September 10, 2013
My LS I cannot begin to know the sorrow you are experiencing for the loss of a beloved child (an unnatural thing for a parent to bury a child no matter how old); however, I do know that in this moment and the moments to come God will grant you peace. Roman was a wonderful soul and person. Take comfort in the knowledge that Roman is still with you, not in body but in spirit, and you will see each other again. My sister you are forever in my thoughts and prayers; I am here should you need me.
Natasha Seymour
September 10, 2013
Roman "Blue Shoes" Bates, thank you for making our football games so exciting...there was never a boring moment when you played... My thoughts and prayers are with the Bates family. (Rena Cooper - Hamilton High Class of 1983)
Rena Cooper
September 10, 2013
My thoughts and prayers are with you, the Thompson/Bates family. May you continue to find and seek comfort and understanding in Him, our Father. Roman was always so very kind and willing. Our lives are richer having met Roman and the Thompson/Bates family. As you already know, to be absent from the body is to be present with The Lord.
Trevious and Paxtyn Wright
September 10, 2013
My condolences to the Bates family. R.I.P. I didn't know him personally, but I graduated with his sister Patrice and they were my neighbors.
Sandra Glaspie-Scott
September 10, 2013
Ain't no need to worry what the night is gonna bring; it will be all over in the morning. Love The Fleming's - Delsa. Teresa, Polly, Arlester aka FooFoo & Mary
Mary Fleming
September 10, 2013
Roman was a teammate and friend. Will miss you my brother. RIP and my prayers go out to your family and friends. I know our loss is heaven's gain.
Vaughn Broadnax
September 10, 2013
There has never been another to run the ball like you (and Everett) May your legacy never be forgotten. RIP Roman Mr. Blues Shoes" Patrice Big Brother(HHS Majorette c/o 85)
Robin Israel
September 10, 2013
My prayers and thoughts for the entire family and friends. - Doc Bullard
September 10, 2013
The DeBerry-Brooks family wishes to offer our condolences to the Bates family during this most difficult times.Please know that the love of the LORD is with you. Roman was a such a clown at times but he truly was a cool person. Gone to soon! R I P classmate!!! Bryant c/o 82 Cynthia c/o 84 and Jerald c/o 83
Bryant DeBerry-Brooks
September 10, 2013
I lost a friend and a hero. Rest in peace big un.
jay fields
September 10, 2013
May Gods Love and Peace overtake you during this time! Rest In Love Roman!
Erica Hughes
September 10, 2013
Anita W
September 10, 2013
My friend 20 years of conversation, and a dear friendship I will always hold in my heart. I love you very much Roman Bates, You impacted my life and I will always hold the memories near my heart. I love you always.. Anita Your friend for life.
Anita Williams
September 10, 2013
THE BROWNLEE FAMILY IS SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS.
September 10, 2013
Barbara Savis
September 10, 2013
To the Bates Family we love you and our hearts pour out to you over the loss of Roman...We will miss our superstar cuz " Blue Shoes" May God be with you
Marquette Harris
September 10, 2013
On behalf of the Willis family I want to extend our heartfelt condolences to the Bates family. The good they do die young. May HE grant you the strength to get thru this trying time.
Kelvin Willis
September 9, 2013
My prayers and thoughts for the entire family and friends.
Jamesetta Hall
September 9, 2013
There are no real words of comfort during a time like this. it is so very difficult to experience the loss of a loved one. Especially, when it is one in the prime of life. Wille Earl, Joe Ellen, Patrice, Jerry please know you are in my prayers and thoughts. May God grant you peace in th midst of this storm...
Alex Walker
September 9, 2013
We are very sorry for your lost. We are praying for the family.
September 9, 2013
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
Latoinette & Erica Jones
September 9, 2013
TO THE BATES FAMILY, MAY THE LORD COMFORT YOU DURING THESE TIMES. GOD BLESS AND KNOW THAT ROMAN IS IN A GOOD PLACE, "SAFE IN HIS ARMS".
ANITA "ANN" SPENCER-MALONE
September 9, 2013
Please accept our deepest, heartfelt condolence.
Darryl & Sharon Genus
Darryl Genus
September 9, 2013
R.I.P Roman My Condolences to the Bates Family.The Best Running Back in Memphis History.
Roderick Crosby
September 9, 2013
My condolences to the Bates family! I knew Roman when we were little kids playing football at the Mason YMCA. He grew up to be a fine man and I will always remember his contagious smile!RIP my friend!
Michael Brooks
September 9, 2013
Someone as special as Roman will never be forgotten. Roman will remain in our hearts forever.
Venay Howard
September 9, 2013
Ms. Bates,
So sorry for your loss. May God continue to bless you and your family through this time.
Roslyn Gatewood Quinn, FHS c/o 85
September 9, 2013
My prayers are with the Bates family!!! R.I.P. Blue Shoes
Early Trice
September 9, 2013
R.I.P., Roman. Also sending my deepest condolences to the Bates family. May God bless and keep you all.
Keena King
September 9, 2013
Roman was like a brother to me while he played for Hamilton High School before I was ever a student. My father, Melvin Earnest, better known as, Coach "Botto" my mother and I truly will be praying for the family. In our heart and prayers. Trina Earnest
September 9, 2013
Bates family, may the comfort of the lord keep you in this time of bereavement, you are in my prayers. Roman was a great classmate, he will truly be missed.
Melanie Bryant Bradley c/o 82
September 9, 2013
Mr.& Mrs. Bates and family
My thoughts and prayers are with you as you deal with sudden loss of Roman. He was a friend and a neighbor. I had just spoken with him last week in City Hall and as usual always a smile. God Bless the Bates Family
Michael Burose
September 9, 2013
TO THE BATES FAMILY, MY CONDOLENCES CLASS OF 82. HE WILL EARN MORE OF THOSE BLUE SHOES. RIP
DAREELL BOYD SR
September 9, 2013
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RS Lewis & Sons Funeral Home - Vance Ave374 Vance Ave., Memphis, TN 38126-2010
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