Gary, Indiana
1943 - 2015
William Bates born October 11, 1943 in Canton, Mississippi, passed October 3, 2015. He was a resident of Gary for 52 years. He joined St. Andrew A.M.E Zion Church where he was a loyal and faithful Preacher's Steward for the last seven years, and dedicated member for 52 years. He was a former...
Read MoreTo Sis Willie Bates,
My love and prayers are with you today. Bro. Bates lived a happy and Christian life. He will truly be missed. God will be with you and your family. God bless.
Annette Sims
October 10, 2015 | South Bend, IN
Valerie, Mother Cole, and Evonne
Mr Bates will truly be missed. He always had something funny to say. He truly was a character and we know that his family and friends will miss him dearly. May you rest in the arms of Jesus, Mr. Bates.
Valerie Anderson
October 09, 2015 | Hobart, IN
Mr. Bates always had a quick smile and a funny joke for me. I enjoyed joking with him and the other SEIU members as a teenager and daughter of 2 union members.
Alexis (Cusic) Holland
October 09, 2015 | Indianapolis, IN
Will that is what we Call you.Sweetdream's third Child the Last time I was in Town I Spoke to you on the phone,not knowing that would be the Last time, I Will So Miss you Mr Bates ( Mr Mighty fine Mighty fine I grew up around you I will miss your Smile your Laugh. You calm sweet spirit, your sense of style.God Saw fit to take you home,Suffer no more MySon he said, come on Home there you can rest,when time for our Metting you will rise and there will be right by your Side, with all my Love...
Velma Harris/Millins
October 08, 2015 | Phx, AZ
Lendy Gray
October 08, 2015 | East Chicago, IN
Brother William Bates was a "mighty Fine" man, and a warrior in the struggle for social justice. While employed with Gary Schools, Bill was an Executive Board member and a Steward for the Service Employees International Union, Local 73. Over the past 15 years that I knew Bill he was always there for the fight. Whether on the picket lines, lobbying lawmakers at the state capitol, defending his co-workers on the job Bill always stepped forward, he never stepped back. Labor has lost a true...
Matt Brandon
October 07, 2015 | Chicago, IL
Mr. Mighty Fine William Bates will truly be missed. Mr. Bates was a very adorable person to know He had a great personality, very easy to talk to and an all around good friend to know. To his wife and family I offer my condolence. Mr.Bates and I worked at Roosevelt and West Side. We worked tireless with our Local 73. S.E.I.U. We have traveled together on many union related events and we also share the same birthday. I will always remember the sharply dressed man known to all and loved by...
Dorice Cusic
October 07, 2015 | Gary, IN
To The Family Of William Bates. Although your hearts are heavy. He is at peace with Our Lord and Savior. He was a good man.And had a beautiful heart. Always smiling and laughing. He will be Miss. But Never Forgotten.
Deborah and Jim Brown and Family
October 07, 2015 | Gary, IN