Raymond Earl Bates

Raymond Earl Bates, age 73, passed away on September 8, 2026, in Houston, Texas. Born in Houston on June 18, 1953, to Marie Stark and Jack Bates, Raymond was a proud graduate of Aldine Senior High School.

Raymond spent his professional life serving others and keeping things moving. His career spanned years on the railroad, time with British Caledonia Airways and Continental Airlines, and ten years as a dedicated school bus driver for Aldine Transportation. Known for his photographic memory and extraordinary skill as a communicator, Raymond connected easily with everyone he met.

Raymond met the love of his life, Carolyn Badley, in Houston on December 10, 2009. The two were married shortly after on February 10, 2010, sharing 16 wonderful years of marriage. Outside of work, Raymond had a passion for travel, loved working in the yard, was an accomplished cook, and cherished every moment spent alongside his beloved wife.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Carolyn Badley; daughter, Michelle Bates and husband Corey Bates; his loving big sister, Vera Champagne; his sisters, Donnell Edwards; Darrell and Brenda Bates; his cherished grandchildren, Ashley, Brianna, and Logan; and his adoring great-grandchildren, Presley, Gunnar, Henson, Hensley, and Galvin.