John Ates

09/29/1940 - 04/03/2010

ATES, John Ray (Age 69) With family by his side,beloved husband, brother, uncle, and friend John Ray Ates peacefully passed away at his home in Spokane Valley, WA on Saturday, April 3, 2010. He was 69 years old. Born in Tyler, Texas onSeptember 29, 1940, toWillie and Lois Ates, John's family moved to Spokane in 1946. During high school, John enjoyedparticipating in extracurricular activities like varsity football, track and field, and glee club. In the summertime, he worked as a lifeguard at Liberty Pool. After graduating from Lewis and Clark High School in 1959, John went on to play college football with the University of Southern California Trojans as a running back. John also played professional football with the San Diego Chargers for one season. In 1968, John returned to his home in Spokane where he worked atMcKesson Corporation for over 25 years in several departments. He was a member of the Teamsters Union as well. John retired from the Purchasing and Receiving Department at McKesson in 1995. During his retirement, as in his whole life, John was an active sportsenthusiast. He enjoyed tennis, golf, hunting, and recreation league softball. He also shared his love of sports by coaching friends and family in various athletic activities. John is survived by wife Glenda Ates of Spokane, sister Willie Lee Davis (and husband Earon) of Spokane, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by mother Lois, father Willie, and sister Linda Lewis. The family extends a sincere thanks to Dr. Daniel Dionne for his longtime care of John. Friends and family are invited to celebrate John's life at a viewing from 10:00 AM until 5:00 PM at Community Cremation Service Spokane Valley (13127 East Sprague Avenue, Spokane Valley, WA 99216) on Friday, April 9, 2010, and at a funeral service at 10:00 AM at Morning Star Baptist Church (3909 West Rowan Avenue, Spokane, WA 99205) on Saturday, April 10, 2010. In lieu of flowers, please make donations in John's memory to the charity of your choice. COMMUNITY CREMATION SERVICE SPOKANE VALLEY 13127 E. Sprague Ave., Spokane Valley, WA 99216 509-926-2020 www.CommunityCremationService.com