He passed away at home on February 3, 2018 in Tyler.
Neill was born on September 11, 1949 in Huntsville, Alabama to the late Alonzo Kennemer Bates and Virginia Louise Neill.
He was married to his wife, Marilyn Bates for twenty-five years. He served in the United States Army. Neill also worked as a manufacturer at Carrier for forty-two years.
He is survived by his wife Marilyn Bates; son Brian Bates of Tyler; daughters Stephanie DeRaad of Tyler, and Stacey Bates of Tyler; step-children Stacey Cook of Overton, Kelly Cook of Big Sandy, and Cody Cook of Arp; sister Janina Tindall of Whitehouse; and brother Pud Bates of Tyler. Neill is also survived by fourteen grandchildren, and four great grandchildren.
In addition to his parents, Neill was preceded in death by his two grandsons and one granddaughter.
The family will receive friends from 1:00-2:00pm Friday, February 9, 2018 in the chapel of Lloyd James Funeral Home.
