Charles Richard Bates

Charles Richard Bates, 58, Steele, passed away on Wednesday, March 13, 2014. Graveside services will be held 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 15, 2014, at Shiloh United Baptist Cemetery. The Rev. Glenn Pender will officiate. Collier-Butler Funeral and Cremation Services directing.

Charles (Rick) was an avid Harley Davidson rider and fan. He also enjoyed building Harleys from the ground up. He was very outgoing, giving, and never met a stranger. His friends stretched from Alabama to California, and they all will miss him greatly.

Charles was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Beatrice Bates; sisters, Joyce and Ann Bates; brothers, Douglas and Wesley Bates; and nephew, Ian Bates.

He is survived by his son, Lee Pierce; sister, Sylvia Cunningham of Steele; brothers, Reese Bates of Birmingham and John Bates (Sharon) of Steele; nieces, Terry Tafoya of California, Karen Seals of Steele, Patti Cunningham of Steele, and Charlese Bates of Birmingham; nephews, Jason Bates of Steele, Joel, Thomas, and Chris Bates all of California, Daren Tafoya of California, Johnny Bates of Southside, and William Bates of Rainsville; and a host of cousins and friends.

Pallbearers will be Chris Henderson, Kenneth Seals, John Bates, Robin Pierce, Steve Pierce, and Danny Kimbril.

Special thanks to Gadsden Regional Medical Center SICU doctors and nursing staff. Also, special thanks to his caregiver, Christy Collins and sons, Christian and Chuck.

Visitation will be from 12-2 p.m. Saturday at Collier-Butler Funeral Home prior to the graveside service.