RENE BATES

07/10/42 - 02/27/20

RENE BATES obituary, 07/10/42-02/27/20, McKinney, TX

RENE BATES

07/10/42 - 02/27/20

BORN

07/10/42

DIED

02/27/20

RENE BATES Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers from Mar. 3 to Mar. 9, 2020.
BATES

René was born on July 10, 1942 in his family's home to Fred E. Bates and Ruth Katherine (Gunter) Bates in New Hope, Texas. Seventy-seven years later, he passed away peacefully at his home in McKinney, only 10 miles from where he was born, but worlds apart in so many ways. René lived a life that most of us can only imagine. The son of a sharecropper, he came of age under harsh circumstances usually only found in books and movies. Growing up in rural Texas in the 1940s was not an easy life. His stories of picking cotton alongside his father (and getting in trouble for loading his sacks with stones), of trips to town in a buggy, and barely having the means to get by, helped to define his strong work ethic, deep sense of ambition and drive to succeed. When his family relocated to Arlington in the mid-50s, René knew that living in a city was not for him, but neither was being poor. He was a graduate of Arlington High School. René was the first in his family to go to college and earned his bachelor's degree and master's degree in Education from East Texas State University in Commerce. He married Sheryl Lynn Darcey on July 10, 2002 in McKinney, Texas. René was a lifelong member of Rhea's Mill Baptist Church in McKinney, Texas. He was also an ordained minister.

Among the many hats he wore, René was a schoolteacher, a rodeo clown, pick-up man and producer, a cowboy-for-hire, a ranch manager, and general rabble-rouser. He piloted, then crashed and walked away from an airplane that he had no license to fly (as the FAA noted in their resulting Cease and Desist letter). He briefly took up skydiving, and he hasn't been legally allowed to enter Mexico since the mid-70's for reasons he'd rather us not disclose. He was a successful land broker, a rancher, and he raised Texas longhorns for well over 30 years.

And of course, he was an auctioneer.

He began his career by auctioning livestock in the mid-60's, and officially established René Bates Auctioneers in 1966. He began calling on cities and counties to help assist in their disposal of surplus assets, a move that launched his company's increasing success throughout the 70's and 80's. René Bates Auctioneers was an early adopter of internet sales, and in 1997 became the country's first municipal online auction company while never losing the “boots on the ground” business practices that defined René Bates Auctioneers from the beginning.

René was a member of the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association; a lifetime member of the National Auctioneers Association; a member of the Texas Auctioneers Association. In 2011, he was formally inducted into the Texas Auctioneers Hall of Fame.



If you've ever been out to the house, you know he was more colorful than his kitchen, and that's saying something. He was a larger-than-life husband, father, and friend, and his legacy will live on through the love of his family and the enduring success of his business. Texas has lost one of its last true cowboys, and he will be genuinely missed.

René is survived by his wife Sheryl Bates of McKinney, Texas; two daughters, Haley Renee Bates and Brad Rhoda of Fort Collins, Colorado and Michelle Renee Bates and Donovan Arwood of Dallas, Texas ; grandson, Duke Bates of Dallas, Texas; granddaughter, Maisie Rhoda of Fort Collins, Colorado; sister, Carol Ann Stanley and husband, Danny of Burleson, Texas; numerous other loving family members and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Katherine.

A memorial service was held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, March 7, 2020 at Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Home Chapel, 2525 Central Expressway North, Allen, Texas 75013. For a full obituary, to convey condolences and sign an online registry, please visit TJMfuneral.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Sign RENE BATES's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

March 16, 2023

Sheldon Williams posted to the memorial.

January 17, 2022

Steve D. posted to the memorial.

March 4, 2021

Gary Cardinale posted to the memorial.

Sheldon Williams

March 16, 2023

I had the opportunity to meet and work with him in Port Arthur Tx at CPA auctions for a few years a great man even worked on some of his personal vehicles sure wish I would have known about his passing before now May He Rest In Peace and my Condolences to Michelle and Sheryl and his entire family

Steve D.

January 17, 2022

Met Mr. Bates years ago and just found out about his passing. He was a man of commanding presence and stature and a very kind man. I hope you are enjoying eternal salvation with the Lord, Rene. It was a pleasure knowing you and I admired your success and the way you treated people.

Gary Cardinale

March 4, 2021

Wonderful Human Being and true Texan! A tribute to his profession! Every time he called I was humbled by how much I did not Know!

February 24, 2021

May Gods promise found in John 6: 40, of the hope to see our loved ones again,comfort your heart and give you peace,strength and hope in the day ahead.

Mike Franklin Macon

February 17, 2021

Never had the opportunity to meet Mr. Bates but as a long time customer his influence was greatly appreciated and noticeable in his employees' conduct and professionalism.

Mike Franklin Macon

February 17, 2021

Never had the opportunity to meet Mr. Bates but as a long time customer his influence was greatly appreciated and noticea le in his employees' conduct and professionalism.

patti Parris Huggins

October 4, 2020

i met rene bates in 1976 . he rented a car from the company i worked for at the atlanta airport. I worked 2 auctions with him. He was a very nice man. So sorry for your loss.

April 5, 2020

Dear Mr. Bates,

I would like to thank you for being an amazing American History teacher, on behalf of myself, my brothers and many other students from Anna, Texas.

It seems strange to me that, back in 1967, I viewed you as old. Maybe it was the wide brim felt cowboy hat, boots, tooth-pick, jeans, western style shirts, mile-long red El Dorado Cadillac, infectious smile, caring attitude of others; or just your noticeable limp when walking down to the school lunchroom for a head count.

However, I must say that our American History class was anything but old or boring! Most of the time you brought to life American History, and opened our eyes using rather unique teaching strategies. It was obvious politics was your favorite topic, and the passion and excitement you felt was not lost on your students.

We were just a small-town Texas school, yet your teaching style and methods gave us a world class education. We all knew it was not easy trying to explain, or defend your teaching strategies to the Superintendent's (Willis B.) Office. Lucky for us, you never gave up!

Thanks for hiring me and my classmates Mike H., Bob H., Thomas J. and others to assist with your auctions in and around Collin, Grayson, and Denton counties.

You gave all of us Life Lessons in and out of the classroom!

Ironically, my childhood view of old somehow did not take into account the idea of death. I simply always thought that you would be around FOREVER.

Boot Hill cemetery, wherever that may be, will NEVER be the same upon your arrival!

Thanks again for all those Life Lessons and memories. Wishing you all the best of heaven Mr. Rene Bates -aka- Cowboy, Teacher, Preacher, Auctioneer & Friend!

Best Regards,

James D. Westdyke

Karl Stanglin

March 23, 2020

Could always find a few things to talk about with Rene'. Might have been pocket knives, materials salvaged and stored in the barn or goats down the road. He also said he wanted "to own a place on Red River". Don't remember who got him that pocket knife with his name on it. He was sure proud of it. As was I the knife bought me by my son that has Uncle Henry on it.
Will keep those memories and really miss making more memories with Rene'Bates.

Jimmy and Kathi Elmore

March 6, 2020

So many years of good times and great memories. A true, honest friend.
You will be missed. Rest In Peace dear friend.

Aaron Dowd

March 5, 2020

I wish I had known him better. Always friendly and kind to me. My prayers are with the family.

Jodi Platt

March 2, 2020

Rene, you were always so kind and made everyone feel right at home in your presence. You will truly be missed. I am thankful to have known and worked with you. Prayers of healing for your family.

sam caddell

February 29, 2020

today i lost a good friend....miss you

Tim & Wima Williams

February 29, 2020

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.

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Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Home - Allen

2525 Central Expressway North, Allen, TX 75013

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Sign RENE BATES's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

March 16, 2023

Sheldon Williams posted to the memorial.

January 17, 2022

Steve D. posted to the memorial.

March 4, 2021

Gary Cardinale posted to the memorial.