Gus Tom Bates III

One of the nicest man I ever met. He was a credit to the world and Fort Worth.

My condolences to the family. Coach Bates was such a good man. Impacted my life as my coach on Fort Worth Pipe at Thornton Field. He inspired so many. My memories are vivid.

I can still see Gus walking down the halls at Paschal greeting almost everyone by name with that wonderful smile in place. What an inspiration to many of us! He cared about those he knew and would go out of his way to help strangers. Telephoning him was a great experience. He´d give updates on all the folks that were mutual friends. It was like he had an organization chart for each friendship. When we last talked he didn´t dwell on his own health issues but instead wanted to know about our...

Rest in peace Coach. You will be missed deeply.

I consider myself incredibly fortunate to be one of the many kids lucky enough to have played under Coach Bates. If you played for Coach, you were going to compete, work hard and play the game the right way...life lessons he instilled in thousands of Fort Worth kids. Coach´s booming voice, encouraging us to "get the bat off your shoulder" or "be a pitcher, not a thrower!" have stayed with me forever. To Mrs. Bates, Gus, Sarah and family, so sorry for your loss. Coach Bates is a...

Our love and prayers are with the Bates family. I was blessed to know the family as so many in the neighborhood. Later in life we were brothers in the fraternity, Sigma Alpha Epsilon. Will cherish the memories and all the good times.

I would like to send my sincere condolences and sympathy to Mrs. Sheryl Bates, Gus Bates and family. May Lord continue to strengthen you, and give you peace that surpasses all understanding in the days to come. A great man that touch the lives of many legacy will continue to impact for years to come.

Sending love and prayers to the family. Such a kind and caring soul, Gus was my go to coach for TCU science labs and a steadfast mentor from Paschal and on to my husband. May Light perpetual shine upon him. Barbara

I played a few years after Gus at Paschal, and he was always encouraging and complimenting me when I saw him at Colonial Country Club or elsewhere. Gus thank you for your friendship. RIP.