John Davis Bates

John Davis Bates, 61, passed away on February 5, 2026. John was born in Louisville, Kentucky on December 26, 1964. John was predeceased by his father William Silbert Bates and is survived by his brother William T. Bates and his best friend Patricia Callahan.

John served in the U.S. Air Force as an Aircraft Fuel Systems Mechanic. He was deployed from August 10, 1990 through March 12, 1991 in support of Operation Desert Shield/Storm. Upon discharge, John attended Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, FL. He held a wide variety of jobs, culminating as a Project Manager in the Telecommunications industry.

John was that rare person who was mechanically inclined, but also extremely creative. He could design, build and/or fix anything. He enjoyed assembling his extensive collection of model planes and cars. John was also adventurous, artistic, and creative. He loved boating, bowling, soccer, skydiving, white water rafting, music, and playing tennis and video golf. With no formal training, John was a gifted chef, who prepared and artistically presented gourmet meals. His passions were auto racing, specifically NASCAR and Formula One, and football, especially his beleaguered Miami Dolphins.

Despite the hardships and disappointments John endured throughout his life, he was the eternal optimist. John always said, and truly believed, that “for every one thing that goes wrong, two things go right.” We will cherish the memories of time spent together. May John rest in peace in the loving hands of our Lord.