Barry Craig Bates, 64, of Kansas City, Missouri, passed away surrounded by his loving family on Monday, July 29, 2024. He will forever be remembered as a devoted father, grandfather, loving brother, uncle, cousin, and friend to everyone he knew.
Born on March 15, 1960, in Olathe, Kansas, to Thomas Frederick Bates Jr. and Rose Marie (Carter) Bates, Barry graduated from Olathe High School. He worked for several moving companies, most recently with Fry Wagner Moving and Storage Company, where he enjoyed meeting new people and helping them settle into their new homes.
Barry cherished his family and spent much of his time with close friends. He loved grilling out and gathering with loved ones, finding joy in seeing people smile and having fun. Always willing to lend a helping hand, Barry’s kindness was felt by many.
He adored his children, Catasha, Shawrice, Jade, and Machalia, and delighted in being a grandfather, spending time with his grandchildren whenever possible. Barry enjoyed watching westerns on TV, preparing for KC Chiefs football games, and cheering for the Royals Baseball team. His infectious smile could light up a room, and he had a knack for bringing people together and being the life of the party. His uncles, Albert and Gregory, held a special place in his heart, especially Gregory, with whom he spent a lot of time as fellow Kansas City residents.
Barry was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas F. Bates Jr. and Rose Marie (Carter) Bates. He is survived by his children, Catasha Diaz of Olathe, Kansas, Shawrice Winton of Kansas City, Missouri, Jade Pitman of Olathe, Kansas, and Machalia Bates of Jacksonville, Florida. Cherishing his memory are his four grandchildren, Ariana and Brielle Diaz, Christian Harris, and Davion Winton. Barry is also survived by his three sisters, Cheryl Bates of Fredericksburg, Virginia, Stephanie Carter-Williams (Damon) of Topeka, Kansas, and Monica Carter of Emporia, Kansas. His nieces and nephews, Shawn (Michelle), Kristi, JaMon, Mariah, Nathanial Carter-Williams, Damisha Williams, Preston, Brittany, Trevon Bates, JaLen Carter, great-nephew Antonio, and great-nieces Tae, Zaria, Mahkiya, and Malaya, will sadly miss him.
A “Celebration of Life” memorial service is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 10, 2024, at the McGilley & Frye Funeral Home, 105 East Loula Street, Olathe, Kansas. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. prior to the service at the funeral home. Barry will be cremated according to his wishes, with a private family inurnment to take place at a later date in Olathe Memorial Cemetery, Olathe, Kansas.
Condolences may be offered at www.McGilley-Frye.com
