Bobby is survived by his children Darlene Staulcup (Karl), Manning Bowie (Barbara),and Stephanie Goodman (John); his siblings Patricia Mobley, James L. Bates Jr. (Louann), Paula Bradford (Jack) and Manley E. Bates; 7 grandchildren (their spouses);8 great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
Bobby was preceded in death by his wife Gloria Richardson Bates; his parents James and Mary Bates; and his brother Steven David Bates.
Bobby was a kind and generous man. He was a loving father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother and friend to all who knew him. He will be missed dearly and his memory treasured forever.
Bobby worked for many years as a truck driver. He later worked as a funeral assistant for Thomas L. King Funeral Home and a delivery driver for Georgia State Wholesale Florist before retiring in 2015.
Bobby enjoyed Scale Model Car building as a hobby. He won numerous awards for his meticulously constructed model car displays. Anyone who knew Bobby, also knew of his love for anything related to dirt track car racing. Over the years, in addition to driving race cars, he also helped out around the tracks, driving the water truck, flagging and manning the scales. Working for several good racing teams was also part of his racing experience. One of his proudest moments came in September of 2017 when Bobby “Fireball” Bates was inducted into the Augusta International Raceways Hall of Fame. Bobby’s stories of his racing adventures will live on among his family and friends for many years to come.
A private memorial service will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Bobby's memory may be made to Belair Church, Grovetown, GA.
Special Thanks to Pastor David Brooks and Caregiver Sarah Watts for all of their kindness, care and support during this difficult time.
