Robert L. Bates Jr.

On June 29, 2011 Robert Louis Bates, Jr. PE passed away in St. Vincents Medical Center after a courageous battle with lung cancer. Bob was born September 10, 1937 in Waycross, GA, graduated from Waycross High School in 1956, and received a BS Civil Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology in 1959. Bob started his career in Atlanta, Ga while continuing his education and earning a MS of Sanitary Engineering in 1967. In 1968 Bob moved to Jacksonville, FL. Attaining recognition for his work throughout the southeast, Bob was admitted to practice as a Professional Engineer in GA, FL, SC, and AL. In 1977 Bob set out on his own and in 1980 formed Robert Bates & Associates in Jacksonville. For 43 years Bob passionately pursued his professional practice. Throughout his distinguished career, Bob was a member of several professional organizations including being a lifetime member of the Florida Engineering Society, the Water Environment Federation, and the Georgia Water & Pollution Control Association; Bob was the recipient of several commendations and certificates recognizing his contributions to the field. He was a member of Park Lane Baptist Church, and former member of Riverside Baptist Church and Woodlawn Presbyterian Church Senior Sunday School Class where he taught for sixteen years. Bobs love of his chosen profession is equaled by his love for and dedication to his family. He is survived by his wife Joyce of 28 years, his children Beth Heim (Mick) of Baton Rouge, LA, Robert Bates, III (Mary) of Albuquerque, NM, Bo Bates (Samantha) of Gilbertsville, PA, Pete Jones (Cindy) of Jacksonville Beach, FL, Karen Clifford (Rick) of Jacksonville, FL; grandchildren Matt, Ryan, Kelly, Stephen, Jessica, Ashley, Ross, Peter, and great granddaughters Raleigh, Makenna, and Taylor. He is also survived by his sister Jane Wade of Alma, GA. Bob was a passionate outdoorsman and fisherman and treasured this time most with his family. Bob was a loving husband, father, grandfather, mentor and friend and we will greatly miss his sense of humor and unwavering support and love. The family visitation for family and friends will be held at Hardage-Giddens Edgewood Funeral Home, 729 S. Edgewood Ave., Jacksonville, FL 32205, from 5PM to 7 PM Friday, July 1, 2011. The funeral service will be held Saturday, July 2, 2011 at 11 AM at the Park Lane Baptist Church 1480 Lake Shore Boulevard Jacksonville, FL. Interment will be at Evergreen Cemetery (gate 5) immediately following the funeral service.