Mitchell R Bates

Mitchell, fondly known as "Butch", 82 years old, passed away on September 7, 2025, in Tampa, Florida.

Butch was born on October 1, 1942, in Tampa, to Dad Tony Fernandez and Mom Jeanette Crosby. He attended Robinson High School in Tampa and later earned an Associate's Degree with a specialization in HVAC. He was a master of several trades, working as a manager for the Trane company, a meat cutter for Publix, and later as a home improvement sales associate for Lowe's.

Butch is preceded in death by Dad Tony, Mom Jeanette, brother Raymond Francis, son Michael, grandson Samuel, and nephew Christopher Michael Sword.

Butch is survived by the love of his life, Mary Margaret "Mickie" Holcomb. Children – Mitchell (Jed), Margaret "Sissy", Patricia "Trish" (Preston Hicks), and Patricia "Patty" Crosby. Siblings, Melody "Dar" (Robert "Bob" Sword) and Toni (Michael Chancey). Grandchildren- Damaris Julia (Nicholas "Nic" Nie), Isaac Jesus Mitchell (fiancé, Cristina), Ethan Paul Hicks, and Ashley Crosby. Nephew, Michael Edward Chancey Jr. (Amber). Great Niece, Scarlette Rose Chancey. Claudia, Sarah, Tommy Graney, and their families.

Family visitation scheduled on Thursday, September 11, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at Blunt and Curry Funeral Home, Garden of Memories (4207 East Lake Avenue, Tampa, FL 33610).

The family of Butch wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to relatives, friends, and the healthcare staff who cared for him, supported us and sent their love, sympathies, and prayers especially during this difficult time. Now we celebrate his life!

And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Look! God's dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away." Revelation 21:3-4

If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord. Romans 14:8