Ronald Earl "Ron" Bates

Ronald "Ron" Earl Bates, 82, of Danleyton, Kentucky passed away Tuesday, December 9, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.

Ron was born March 20, 1943, in Ironton, Ohio, to the late Drexel Vernon Bates and Billie Louise Singleton. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one sister Pam Sowards.

Ron was a simple man and believed in working hard and doing things the right way. He was the third-generation owner and operator of the Bates Sign Company and operated his own crane company as well. Being an entrepreneur was an important aspect of his life, but there was one thing that brought him great pride in life, and that was the kids of the Danleyton community.

Ron became instrumental in the start of the Danleyton "Fighting Demon's" basketball team, he made sure the team had a coach and ensured that all the players were treated equal. Ron and his dedicated wife Linda Sue Bates (Grizzle) made sure that each basketball player had an appropriate uniform and paid the way for the whole team to have countless lifetime experiences; from amusement park trips to Harlem Globe Trotters events, to state and national championships they made sure that everyone had a seat on the bus. He truly was a champion for children.

In addition to his loving and devoted wife of 61 years, Linda, Ron is survived by one son, Ronald "Jay Bird" Earl Bates Jr. (Terri) of Danleyton, KY, one Daughter Nicki Lee Bates (Jeani) of Hillsboro, Ohio, two brothers, Randy Goodin, and Gary Bates, one aunt, Vivian Kazee, four grandchildren, Austin Chase Bates, Skylar Faith Ferguson, Jayson Tucker Bates, and Saule Renee Moore, and a host of other family members and friends that will sadly miss him.

To have known Ron was a privilege, though he didn't make a fuss about having material things, it was the relationships that he made with family and friends that made life worth living. He cherished the friends he had in his life and was the type of person to give you the shirt right off his own back.

Ron frequently stated in his life that if you ever started feeling sorry for yourself to just go visit the Shriners Children's Hospital, or St. Jude's Chlidren's Hospitals, and you'd walk out not feeling sorry for yourself anymore. These were two charities that were close to his heart. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a memorial contribution to Shriners Children's Hospital, or St. Jude's Children's Hospitals in honor of Ron.

At Ron's request there will be no services.

All arrangements are under the direction and care of Carman Funeral Home, 2301 Argillite Road, Flatwoods, Kentucky 41139.