Roy Stanley Bates, 85, of Evant, Texas, passed away on May 23, 2025. He was born on February 27, 1940, on Vista Mountain, to Margaret and Arvel Bates. He was a loving husband to Rita Bates and a devoted father to Ricky Bates, Randy Bates, Rodney Bates, Renea Kirksey, and Rochelle Ninteman.
He grew up in the little town of Evant, in the heart of Texas, where he attended school. There he met the love of his life, Rita. The story goes that he worked at a chicken farm, and he would stop by her house on his way home to give her sick dog, raw eggs.. They were married on November 27, 1960.
Our father was a was hard-working multi-talented man., he loved to fish, hunt, and take us camping. He did many jobs throughout his life some of which included dairy work, concrete work, building houses, working on cars, lawn care, and maintenance in nursing homes. In the early 90's he started his job at Gatesville ISD, where he worked 20 years before he retired. During his time at GISD, he also fought a lengthy battle with cancer, that he fought hard and won. After his mother's passing, he returned to the family farm and began farming, which was always his dream.
We remember our dad to be very kind, and helpful to everyone and everyone that needed it. He was always helping the people in our town; he left a lasting impact on everyone who knew him.
He is survived by four of his children, his two sisters, Linda Hill and Brenda Hortez, twenty-three grandchildren, twenty-five great grandchildren, and great great grandchildren. As well as many friends and extended family members who will miss him dearly.
We find that this one sentence, that our brother Randy said after his passing sums up our father, "He done it his way, till the very end!"
In lieu of flowers please consider making donations to Purmela Baptist Church in Roy's honor.
