Malcolm Wellington "Mac" Bates

1946 - 2024

BATES, Malcolm Wellington "Mac", died Friday, March 15, 2024, following a brief illness. He was born in Richmond, Va., on December 12, 1946. He was predeceased by his parents, Virginia Wellington Bates and John Wythe Bates, Jr. Mac graduated from St. Christopher's School in 1965, and Virginia Polytechnic Institute in 1969.

Following in the footsteps of his grandfather and father, Mac joined his family's real estate business, Harrison and Bates Inc., in 1971, where he became President and Vice Chairman. He was a member of the Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM), serving as National President in 1995. He was honored to represent IREM nationally and internationally and made many good friends during his tenure. Mac was a dedicated member of the Rotary Club of Richmond, where he served as President and Treasurer, and was proud of his perfect attendance record. He served on the Board of Directors and as President of Goodwill of Richmond. He was a lifelong member of St. Stephen's Church, serving as vestryman and Sunday school teacher. He also enjoyed volunteering with Meals on Wheels.

Mac grew up on Riverside Drive where he developed an appreciation and passion for the James River. As a boy, he fished along the banks and motored his small Jon boat back and forth above the Z dam. He became an avid cyclist and once rode 60 miles from Richmond to Williamsburg to raise money for Rotary International. Other passions included the Virginia Tech Hokies, the Washington Redskins, his meticulous lawn, and spending time with his family on annual beach vacations. He found great joy in his grandchildren and attending their many activities.

Mac is survived by his wife of 52 years, Isabel Spilman Bates; and his children, Malcolm Alexander Bates (Jenny) and Marshall Bates Rigby (Matt); and by his grandchildren, Thomas Gardner Rigby, Isabel DeLeon Rigby, Carter Wellington Bates, and William Anderson Bates. He is also survived by his brother, John Wythe Bates III (Beverly); his sister, Sally Bates Allen (Phil); his mother-in-law, Alice Taylor Spilman; his sisters-in-law, Peggy Spilman Crowley (Mike) and Alice Spilman Frankovitch (Eric).

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, March 25, at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, followed by a reception. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, 6000 Grove Ave, Richmond, Va. 23226, or Friends of the James River Park, https://jamesriverpark.org/donate/.