Willie enjoyed simple things in life. He loved to fish and he enjoyed nature. He had a passion for animals. On September 27, 1997 he married his high school sweetheart, Janelle Bradley Bates and together they have a daughter Britney N. Bates.
He is survived by his wife Janelle; daughter Britney; sister Patricia Wolfe and step-father, Carl Helms. He was preceded in death by his father Willie Denton Bates and his mother Evone Aldridge Helms.
Friends are cordially invited to a visitation with the family from six o'clock in the evening until eight o'clock in the evening on Sunday, February 8, at McEwen Funeral Service, Mint Hill Chapel, 7428 Matthews-Mint Hill Road in Mint Hill. The funeral service is to be conducted at one o'clock in the afternoon on Monday, February 9, also in the Mint Hill Chapel.
Condolences may be offered at www.mcewenminthillchapel.com
