Robert Lee Bates Obituary
It is with deep sorrow that we announce the death of Robert Lee Bates of Petersburg, Virginia, who passed away on April 23, 2021, at the age of 80, leaving to mourn family and friends. Family and friends can send flowers and/or light a candle as a loving gesture for their loved one. Leave a sympathy message to the family in the guestbook on this memorial page of Robert Lee Bates to show support.
He was predeceased by: his parents, Nathaniel Ross and Beatrice Bates; his wife Evelyn I. "Cookie" Bates; his siblings, Nathaniel Ross "Bubba" Bates, Sr., Beatrice "Boobie" Jackson (Leland) and Charmaine Ruffin; his son Ronald D. Bates; and his great grandchild Dream Hodges.
He is survived by: his son Robert Dereke Bates (Sophia); his siblings, Kenny Ruffin (Johnette), Bobby Ruffin, Keith Ruffin, Sheila Ruffin and Barbara Ruffin; his aunt Naomi Bates; his sisters-in-law, Mary Maddox Bates, Gladys Saunders, Pearline Davis Garrick and Linda Mack; his grandchildren, Denitra Reed, Tiffany Dodson (Nyesha), Ronald Bates, Albany Bates, Keshia McCoy, Dereke Bates, Eboni Winfield, LaToya Bates, Briana Bates and Tyrese Wiley; and his friends, William Moore, Jr., James Crawford, John Hallman, Ralph Ruffin and Stefan Mayfield. He is also survived by seventeen great-grandchildren; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Public viewing will be Friday, April 30, 2021 from 10:00 A. M. - 8:00 P. M. A facial covering along with social distancing will be required while attending all services and viewings.
