Edward Stephenson Bates

Sunrise: June 5, 1925

Sunset: January 29, 2021

“Blessed is the man who at the end of his life hears many different voices calling him wonderful.”

--James Baldwin

How does one begin to summarize the legacy of a great man? Mere words are insufficient when trying to capture the enormity of his presence on this earth or the many ways he touched his family, friends, and countless others during his marvelous journey and life. Here we hope to honor him, and in so doing, provide just a glimpse of a man who was simply wonderful.

Edward Stephenson Bates, and his now deceased identical twin brother Leslie, were born during the Great Depression to Edward Nathaniel Bates and Lavinia Everett-Bates in Atlantic City, New Jersey on June 5, 1925. Although he was born during a period of enormous economic and social upheaval, Edward cleverly persevered and was able to graduate as a popular student from Atlantic City High School with a plethora of cherished friends who remained close to him during the duration of their lives. It was also during this time that Edward became an avid swimmer which led him to love all things related to the ocean. Throughout his life, Edward enjoyed fishing and watching sailboats on the bay where he would often reminisce and share stories with whoever had the pleasure of his company about his very fascinating life.

During World War II and at the tender age of 18, Edward was drafted into a racially segregated United States Navy on September 13, 1943. After completing bootcamp in Great Lakes, Illinois in December of that year Edward, who was always highly intelligent and ambitious, was assigned to the Naval Air Technical Training School in Millington, Tennessee. Remarkably, Edward was among the first group of African American Navy men allowed to attend classes at this prestigious school. After graduation, Edward received the rank of Aviation Mechanic Mate Second Class and was assigned to Floyd Bennett Naval Air Station in Brooklyn, New York. Although a highly skilled aviation mechanic, due to discrimination against his race, Edward was prevented from assignment to serve on any aircraft carriers during the war. While Edward was very proud of the years he was in the Navy, he never forgot the racism he faced while serving his own country. At the war’s end, Edward was honorably discharged from his military service on February 7, 1946. On May 14, 2016, in recognition for his military service, Edward was honored with festivities in Washington D.C. by the United States Honor Flight Network. This acknowledgement was the source of enormous pride for him. In his later years, Edward also visited primary schools to share his experience as an African American World War II veteran with students and received countless awards from community members and county officials for his service.

Life for Black soldiers after World War II was challenging, but Edward was always determined to create a solidly good life for himself and his family. After moving to Ohio for employment in a steel mill where he became a senior factory manager, Edward would eventually marry his first wife Shirley Foster (deceased) with whom he had two beautiful children, Edward “Binky” Bates, Jr., and Linda Pomales Ford both who sadly transitioned in their adulthood years before their father. Seeking more lucrative opportunities and after the death of his first wife, Edward moved back to New York and would eventually find employment in textile industries managing the mail distribution of fabrics from Europe for American companies.

On July 26, 1958 in Atlantic City, Edward married his beloved second wife Gladys Owens, a southern woman with a soft voice with whom he remained married for nearly 60 years. Edward was steadfast in his loyalty and love for Gladys until she passed away in 2013. Together, Edward and Gladys had four children: Bernard, Michael, Christina, and Dawn who, joined with Eddie and Linda, adored their father. Edward was a kind, ever-present, fun-loving, and consistently responsible husband and father who gave his family his entire heart and instilled dignity and pride in them through his marvelous example. If Edward’s children have greatness in them, it is because of the boundless love, encouragement, and support they received from their parents.

It was also during this time that Edward began to recognize his massive talent as a visual artist, a gift that would later lead him to produce a collection of stunning paintings with African subjects which have been displayed in various venues including the Brooklyn Museum, the Fulton Street Art Consortium with whom he was one of its oldest original artists; countless gallery exhibits, and a one man show of his paintings at the Conklin House in Babylon, NY in 2014 which was viewed and celebrated as the culmination of his work. In 2013, Edward was also honored by the town of Babylon wherein he received a citation for his artistic contribution to the cultural history of Long Island. Often utilizing the signature name of “Eduardo”, the sophistication, richness, and detail of Edward’s paintings earned him several prize-winning awards throughout the years and the respect of artistic panels across the country.

After his retirement in the 1980s, and in the sunset years of his life, Edward found great joy in family-gatherings, deep-sea fishing, crabbing at the Bayshore Marina, long car drives to Sag Harbor, traveling, listening to his favorite jazz vocalists, journaling about his life, mentoring young Black men and women, and telling many stories about his adventures which included meeting Sammy Davis, Jr., Johnny Mathis, and Muhammad Ali. Edward was an elegant, gregarious, handsome, and larger-than-life superstar to his family who filled their world with wonder because of his presence. Edward shared his enormous light and vitality with anyone he encountered and will be remembered with lasting affection forever.

On January 29, 2021 and at the ripe age of 95, Edward closed his eyes, took his last breath, and spirited away into the horizon where the wonders of a new life lovingly await him. He will be missed beyond measure. We love you, Daddy.

Edward is predeceased by his first wife Shirley Foster and his wife of many years, Gladys Owens; his son Edward “Binky” Bates (Joan Walrond-Bates) who was the father of Tiffiny Bates-Johnson (Michael Johnson), Michael Harris (Sabrina Harris), Randy Bates, and Nile Lesley Bates; his daughter Linda Pomales Ford who was the mother of Lisa Pomales Bostick ( Jeffrey Bostick), Lesley Pomales (d), and Liana Pomales Harris (Keith Harris); his twin brother Leslie V. Bates, and his sister Edythe Hendricks. Edward is survived by his son Dr. Bernard Bates and his wife Jillian with their children Owen, Jordan, and Lily; his son Michael Bates, his wife Claudia, and daughter Jasmine; his daughter Christina Donawa, and her husband Robert with their daughters Endia, Ashlei and Nia; his daughter Prof. Dawn Bates; his brother John E. Bates, and his sister Catherine Gibbs. Edward is also survived by 10 great-grandchildren and 6 great-great grandchildren. Edward was adored by his family and cherished by host of close friends who became family to him because of their love.

“When he shall die,

Take him and cut him out in little stars,

And he will make the face of heaven so fine,

That all the world will be in love with night

And pay no worship to the garish sun.”

― William Shakespeare

* * * * * * * * * *

Edward Stephenson Bates, age 95, of Deer Park, NY and proud Navy veteran of World War II, passed away on Friday, January 29, 2021.

Visitation will be held Friday, February 5, 2021 from 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM at Claude R. Boyd/Caratozzolo Funeral Home, 1785 Deer Park Ave, Deer Park, New York 11729. Funeral service 10:30 AM at the funeral home, followed by interment at Calverton National Cemetery, 210 Princeton Blvd, Calverton, New York 11933.

For those who cannot attend the funeral service at 10:30 a.m. physically, but would like to attend virtually please do so by clicking the link below:

https://client.tribucast.com/tcid/91496561

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.Boyd-CaratozzoloFuneralHome.com for the Bates family.