Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
BORN
1961
DIED
2019
FUNERAL HOME
Bo Spates Obituary
Bo "Bo J" Spates
July 28, 1961-June 9, 2019
ROCK ISLAND-Bo Jeffrey "Bo J" Spates, 57, of Rock Island, died unexpectedly of natural causes at his home on Sunday, June 9, 2019.
Funeral services will be 10 am on Friday at the Wheelan-Pressly Funeral Home and Crematory, 3030 7th Ave., Rock Island. Visitation is 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the family.
Bo was born July 28, 1961 in Rock Island, a son of Charles W. and C. June Davis Spates. He graduated from Rockridge High School. Bo began his much loved career in radio at the age of 17. He was a radio host at WLLR and had also worked for several other Quad City area radio stations. Bo had also owned the former Putters Sports Bar in Milan.
He had a passion for playing golf and was a member of the Pinnacle Country Club, Milan. He was also an Iowa Hawkeye fan. Bo supported many charity events and was particularly fond of Gilda's Club and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. He was most proud of his daughter, Charly and was happy to share her accomplishments and express his love for her.
Survivors include his daughter, Charly Heber-Spates, Rock Island; mother, June Spates, Rock Island; brother, Tim (Beverly) Spates, North Port, Florida; sister, Marsha Spates; nephews, Derrick Simmons and Zachary Spates; and aunts, uncles, cousins and many friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Charles; and sister, Sandy Bercume.
Online condolences may be left at wheelanpressly.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Bo Spates
Sponsored by Wheelan-Pressly Funeral Home - Rock Island.
Kit Ty
June 12, 2019
My dear sweet friend, how I will miss your infectious laughter, your sparkling eyes as you tell a story, the glow you get when speaking of Charly. My heart will be heavy whenever I go back home to Iowa and I can't call you up to meet for drinks to catch up on our lives. We knew each other since you were 17 when Rachel introduced us at the Ballaster. You saw my sons grow into men. You helped keep me sane when my daughter passed. You recalled memories when two of my siblings left the earth within months of each other. You were a rock to me. You will be missed by many in the orchestra of life. Your one instrument made a profound sound that touched many.
June, May God's grace blanket you (I understand your loss as a mother)
Julie and Charly~~~ know how highly he spoke of you both to me.
Tim and Marsha ~~~ May you comfort each other with childhood memories.
May we all find some sort of peace
TerriAnn Hart
June 11, 2019
I am very sad to hear the news about Bo. He was a special friend through the years. His wonderful radio voice and personality will be missed by all. I am sending good thoughts and prayers to his family at this time and just know Heaven now has yet another angel...
Tuckered out
Kit Ty
June 11, 2019
Laughing after a funny story
Kit Ty
June 11, 2019
Jennifer Nahra
June 10, 2019
Bo and i were blessed to begin our broadcasting careers together at WQUA radio in Moline in 1979. It was a great time in radio that was made even better by working with a wonderful man like Bo. His friendship was a gift. Great sense of humor. A heart of gold. A remarkable sense of timing. A genuine storyteller. He will be missed. Till we meet again my friend.
Mary Wernsman
June 10, 2019
I am so sorry. Loved having Bo J spin the tunes at the Stockade in Davenport. He was a friend to many. He will be missed
Daren Showers-Shade
June 10, 2019
I can hardly grasp that Bo is gone. June, Charley, Tim....and the rest of his family & friends....I am so sorry from my whole heart. Bo & I grew up together. I always knew I could call him anytime for he was like a brother to me. Always had a big smile when we saw each other. 50+ years of wonderful memories. I will miss him more than he will ever know. Safe journey my friend.....
Mike Marando
June 10, 2019
Very sad to hear this news. My sincerest condolences and prayers for the Spates family.
Fortunate to work with you for 25+ years.
Helen Agnew
June 10, 2019
Helen Agnew
June 10, 2019
Proud to call you friend for 35 years. You will be deeply missed by many.
Charlie and June at the Manor Bos parents
Freda Carlile Country Manor
June 10, 2019
Dj Strader
June 10, 2019
God has another angel. We will miss you.
Danny Wadkins
June 10, 2019
Want to say to his family prayers at this time.I worked with Bo many years ago at Country Manor Milan Illinois. He was always a nice guy and a friend u could rely on.Will miss him and to his brother Tim u know he loved u and i love u to.
Showing 1 - 13 of 13 results
Make a Donation
in Bo Spates's name
Please consider a donation as requested by the family.
Memorial Events
for Bo Spates
Jun
13
Visitation
4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Wheelan-Pressly Funeral Home - Rock Island3030 - 7th Ave, Rock Island, IL 61201
Jun
14
Funeral service
10:00 a.m.
Wheelan-Pressly Funeral Home - Rock Island3030 - 7th Ave, Rock Island, IL 61201
Funeral services provided by:
Wheelan-Pressly Funeral Home - Rock Island3030 - 7th Ave, Rock Island, IL 61201
How to support Bo's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Bo Spates's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
