Jeffrey Emerson Bates

Jeffrey Emerson Bates, age 76, of Orlando passed away August the twenty fifth of 2022 with his wife and children by his side. Born on November tenth 1945 in Norwalk, Connecticut Jeffrey was son to, and predeceased by, John Francis Bates and Nancy Helen Rindfusz Bates. He is survived by his devoted wife of 53 years, Nancy Sue Brannock Bates. He leaves behind three sons, Thomas (Tara) Bates, Robert (Kimberly) Bates, Andrew (Natalie) Bates and a daughter, Elizabeth Bates. He is lovingly remembered by five grandchildren, three brothers Michael Bates, Tiff Bates, Sandy Bates and his sister Peggy Bates Holmes.

A graduate of Clarkson University, Jeff also served as a Captain in the U.S. Army before enjoying distinguished careers in both the automotive and appliance industries. His professional career culminated in the last sixteen years with his work family at Southeast Steel in Orlando, Florida. Jeff was immeasurably grateful for the esteem, support and grace given to him by his colleagues with whom he cultivated lasting relationships.

No representation of Jeff could be endeavored without first acknowledging his unparalleled honesty and integrity. His calm and steady demeanor paired with his compassion, loyalty and principled dedication were all bedrocks of his character. He was quick with a joke and had a competitive spirit, qualities which promised any time spent in his company would surely be fun and memorable. Every gathering with Jeff yielded entertaining stories and anecdotes meriting countless retelling – each recollection met with the same belly laughs as the moment itself.

Perhaps the most remarkable and enduring trait Jeff possessed was his singular dedication to his family. He was unabashedly proud of each of his children and their children. He found no greater joy than being surrounded by his kids and grandkids. Jeff was the kind of man who was ever present, consistently attentive and unwaveringly supportive. He was the dad and grandpa who could always be depended upon to show up and cheer on those he loved. He was eager to travel for athletic events, musical performances, award ceremonies, and whatever other passion his family pursued. He took every chance he was given to let his family know that he was proud of them and that he loved them.

One of Jeff’s favorite leisure activities was attending live sporting events. He had a particular passion for the Orlando City Lions, being at the rink with family for Solar Bears games, and enjoying an afternoon at the Bay Hill/Arnold Palmer Invitational. He was always up for a day at the beach, and in more recent years found a love of inshore fishing with his sons. On a day without plans, Jeff and Nancy spent their time at home the way a couple with half a century of togetherness does...tending to that which must be tended, enjoying meals together, and relaxing in the familiarity of a forever love.

A fierce competitor in any endeavor requiring outwitting or outperforming his opponent, Jeff relished all games. From cards and dice to ping pong and bocce - he was an enthusiastic participant. Not one to be underestimated, but quite happy to take in the glory of a win, he made competition fun. Family gatherings were more robust with his energy in the air. Time spent with his siblings and their families remained a high priority throughout the years, with Bates family reunions as a consistent highlight in his life. He was determined to be a part of the reunion last month, and we are all so thankful that he was.

Jeff Bates was a man unlike any other. He was a man whose strength and dependability will survive him through our best efforts and acts. Our wish and our challenge is to uphold his legacy of unconditional love and unfailing ethics, so that future generations may also know the gifts of a man as great as Jeff Bates.

Memorial services will be held on Sunday September 11th at 11AM at Woodlawn Funeral Home in Gotha, Florida. In lieu of flowers the family asks that those who are so inclined, contribute to Orlando City Foundation in his memory.

https://www.orlandocityfoundation.org/donate

A memorial service for Jeffrey will be held Sunday, September 11, 2022 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Woodlawn Memorial Park & Funeral Home, 400 Woodlawn Cemetery Road, Gotha, FL 34734.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.woodlawnfuneralhomegotha.com for the Bates family.