Samuel E. Bates, Jr.

Samuel E. Bates, Jr., 69, of East Moline, Illinois, passed away Wednesday, October 22, 2025, at home with his lifelong friends, Kevin and Jill Finn by his side.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, November 18, at St. Lawrence Catholic Church, South Wilmington, Illinois, with Father Stanley Drewniak officiating. Cremation will take place prior to services at Trimble Crematory, Moline, Illinois, under the direction of Cremation Society of the Quad Cities.

Sammy was born September 15, 1956, in South Wilmington, Illinois, the son of Samuel Sr. and Antoinette (Peacher) Bates. He moved to the Quad Cities in the early 1980’s and worked as a driver and harness horse trainer at the Quad City Downs for many years. He then went to work as a machinist for John Deere until retiring.

He loved to fish, collect and play guitars, and enjoyed fast and classic cars. He was also a skilled photographer that especially enjoyed taking pictures of wildlife.

Sammy is survived by his sister, Kathy Alexander of Arlington, Texas; cousins, George Peacher and Gregory “Butch” Bates; a host of nieces and nephews; and many close friends including his caregivers and best friends, Kevin and Jill Finn of Moline. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Darryl Roberts, Gerald Roberts, and Phillip Bates; and sisters, Nadine Dillard and Debra Dillard.

The family would like to give special thanks to everyone at MercyOne Genesis Hospice for the wonderful care given to Sammy.

Condolences may be shared at CremationQC.com.