Ernie graduated from Douglas High School and married his high school sweetheart Dawn Marie (Jamieson) Bates on March 31, 1955 in Douglas. He worked for Arizona Public Service for 37 years. He retired in 1993. Ernie and Dawn moved from Tempe to Sun Lakes, Arizona in 1998 where they resided until their passing.
Ernie is preceded in death by his father, Calvin C. Bates and mother, Genevieve Walker Hipp; brothers: Calvin George Bates and Richard Clarence Bates; his youngest son, Kevin Douglas Bates; and the love of his life: his wife, Dawn Marie Bates.
Ernest is survived by his son, Ernest Floyd Bates Jr; his daughter, Julie Ann Bates; his grandson, Ryan Christopher Bates; and his great grandson, Connor Montano Bates.
