Ronald Lee Bates

COOKEVILLE CHAPEL - Ronald Lee Bates, born on January 10, 1944, in Hartley, Kentucky, peacefully passed away on Saturday March 22, 2025, at his residence in Rickman, Tennessee. His legacy is deeply cherished and lovingly remembered by those who knew him.

Ron left Kentucky at an early age and moved to River Rouge, Michigan where his father had found a better job to provide for his family in the steel mill. Ron graduated from Roosevelt High School in Wyandotte MI. He was an amazing baseball player. All of his friends and family would call any game he played in "Bates Ball". Ron went to open tryouts for the Detroit Tiger's farm team, the Toledo Mud Hens and received a call that he made the team! Unfortunately, the call came a little too late because he had already decided to serve his country by joining the U.S. Army. Ron served one tour in Vietnam from 1966 to 1967. He was honorably discharged from the U.S. Army, and then enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. While serving in the Air Force, he graduated at the top of his class in nursing school. That gave him the opportunity to choose his base and job. He chose Lackland Airforce Base in San Antonio Texas, and one of the most challenging jobs in the surgical unit. Ron also spent time serving with the heart team. He traveled the world through his military service and retired after twenty years of honorable service.

Ron was a quiet man with an enormous presence. He was a protector and provider for his family. A devoted husband to his beloved wife, Debbie Bates, with whom he shared 30 wonderful years of marriage, he took immense pride in his family. He was a proud father to two children, Rhonda Bates Maurer (John Maurer) and Ronald Bates II. Additionally, he embraced his role as a stepfather, guiding and nurturing Deanne Brooks (Henry Brooks) and Michelle Gooch Arnold (Shannon Arnold) with love and support.

His remarkable family continued to grow, and Ronald found delight in being a grandfather to his cherished grandchildren: Kayliegh Maurer-Nickowski (Joseph Nickowski), Zackery Maurer (Sarah Maurer), Jacob Maurer (Brittney Hartley), Cameron Bates, Caleb Bates (Rachel Bates), Destiny Gooch, Alex Brooks, Amber Bates, and Alex Bates. Ronald’s heart expanded even further with the arrival of four great-grandchildren: Ayden Maurer, Raylee Nickowski, Esme Maurer, and Dalhia Maurer. Each of them held a special place in his heart.

He is predeceased by his parents, Jessie and Irene Bates, his brother, Robert Bates, and his special grandson, Alex Brooks. Ronald's absence leaves a profound void in the lives of his family and friends.

A funeral service honoring Ron will begin at 1 p.m. Tuesday March 25 at the Cookeville Chapel of Hooper Huddleston and Horner Funeral Home. Pastor Chad Pittman will officiate. Visitation for friends and family will be Tuesday from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Ron will be buried with military honors at Crest Lawn Cemetery.

Ronald Lee Bates will be remembered for his kindness, dedication to family, and the love he shared throughout his life. He had the biggest heart and would give the shirt off his back to help a stranger. He was a very loving man and he will be missed by all that knew him.

The Cookeville Chapel of Hooper Huddleston and Horner Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. (931)526-6111 Share condolences and memories at www.hhhfunerals.com.