Ollie,
I’m 6 years too late. I’m sorry Sir. I’ve been thinking about you for a very long time. You inspired me from the 1st day I met you going into DECA. You said, ‘Supply, Quartermaster, huh. You should be doing what I do.’ 
About a week ago, I went to look you up, I called, emailed to tell you ‘I’m Ready.’ No response. I’m sorry I’m late for the mission. I will move forward and take your words of advice and encouragement and be of Service once again to our military and military families.  You are the best Sir. 
Hoffman, US Army Supply Quartermaster

It was a great shock to learn of the passing of Ollie Bates via the WVU magazine. It seems like only a few weeks ago that we were in touch by email, a correspondence that lapsed as I got too busy moving from overseas back to the USA. And now he's gone, without the opportunity to renew that contact. It's a deeply saddening loss. 

I had the privilege of working with Ollie in various aspects of WVU student politics, a relationship that became more special as the year wore on. His charisma, wisdom and leadership were evident even then, and it is no surprise to learn, through his obituary, that he continued to be successful in life. My Dad thought the world of him, and there's no higher praise, that one outstanding man recognize another. Farewell, dear Ollie.

We were deeply saddened to receive news that our friend and colleague Mr. Ollie Bates has passed. At this moment we would like to express our heartfelt condolences to his wife, children, and family. It is our hope that you find comfort among each other through good memories and his legacy.

May god bless and keep you,

Pit Bull Energy Products, Carson, CA

I was deeply saddened to learn of Ollie's passing. He was a dear friend with great insight. Our city has lost a leader, and a man with compassion, honor, and vision.

Captain Ollie, we salute you for your many many years of dedicated service and support to the military resale system. You were always the voice of reason and respected by all, even when you dressed up like the Gortons Fisherman in your yellow slicker! You will be deeply missed. Our condolences to his beloved family.

Seldom, if ever, does one come in contact with a human with the outstanding charachter such as that of my colligue and business friend, Oliver. Each of us who knew him are thrice blessed. My condolences.

Joe Todd, Belmont Vermont

Truely a great husband, father, mentor and gentleman.  It was truely an honor to have known you and I will always remember the great times spent together.  You had so much to give to all those that crossed your path.  Will miss you!

Ollie was always a joy to be around and we always looked forward to Christmas when we used to make the rounds to mom and dad's and Ollie and Judy's. He will truly be missed by the Mutter family!

Ollie: We'll miss you but we were all very blessed to know you. I remember our first real chat at the BOQ mess at Naval Station Norfolk in 1986. I had just reported to CINCLANT Det 206, a four service joint unit that supported the Operations Directorate (J3). I was coming from the Air side and had been mostly in operational flying. I had no clue what a "Battle Staff Captain" did. You took me under your wing and got me started in the right direction. You also told me about your family--Judy and your daughters Heather and Stefanie. It was obvious you loved them very much. You introduced me to St. Albans, WV, and showed your great pride in West by God Virginia. You also displayed your abiding love of the U.S. Navy.

Later, in 1989-91, I was fortunate to have you as my XO of Det 206 and CO of the Navy Element. You made my job easy. Running a joint unit was much like herding cats. Your support was critical to our success. You were undaunted by our challenges and your sense of humor carried us through many a tough spot. You were my right arm in every sense of the word. Through several hurricane relief operations, support of Operation Just Cause in Panama, and support of Desert Shield and Desert Storm in the Middle East, you provided wise counsel and leadership. 

When I turned over command of Det 206 to you in 1991 I knew that the unit was in good hands. In 1993 you received the Defense Superior Service Medal for "exceptionally meritorious service" as CO of Det 206. You were doubtless one of the few Reservists to receive this distinguished award at that time.

But all work and no play was not Ollie's way. As far back as 1985 Ollie instituted special Thanksgiving and Christmas programs where Det 206 delivered to less fortunate families in the area food and gifts to provide real holidays. Everyone who was there remembers Ollie's Santa Claus hat! He also joined in some unique organizations such as the Military Order of the Carabao and the Knights Templars. He was the biggest cheerleader at our Det 206 pig pickin' barbecues and baseball games. 

Stephanie, Tim, David, Jacob, and Grace, and Heather, Mallory, and Griffin, cherish the memories of your father/father-in-law/grandfather. He left a legacy that few people can match. Judy, we know how much you will miss Ollie. We all share your loss. You know that you can call on us anytime. Our love to you all, Jim and Lisa Metcalfe

Ollie and I served together on the CINCLANTFLT staff in the late 1980s. With fellow shipmate Jim Metcalfe we dined and sang old battle songs at the annual Caribou Wallow in Washington. I liked Ollie immensely. Don't know of anyone who did not like him and respect him for the level-headed, solid-as-a-rock officer and gentleman that he was. Thank you, Ollie. You brightened and enriched my life. God take you up in His arms. Leave a place at the table, we'll reunite soon enough.

Ollie Bates, dear friend, leader, supporter of all the people, and a superlative West Virginia fan, will be forever treasured. Ollie's service to his country and our city made an amazing difference. His focus on scholarships after serving as Democratic Chair left a lasting legacy.  His good cheer, creative ideas, focused leadership and constant support will be sincerely missed. We offer our deep and since symphathy and are also praying for the family.

To the entire Bates family,
Words cannot express how saddened I am to hear of Ollie's passing. From the day I had the pleasure of meeting him, I always saw a man so kind and generous in thought and deed. I will never forget him wearing his Santa hat at our annual Stocking Stuffer events. This year just won't be the same without him. 

Rest in peace my friend. I will miss you.

Ollie you have been a friend and adviser to everyone that came into your path.  You welcomed all with open arms and you never knew the word no or can't.  You gave from your heart and created smiles everywhere.  Your family lost a Prince and we are all heartbroken with your sudden departure.  You are One of a Kind and will be missed by all.

I am so honored to have known Ollie. He was a truly wonderful man who was a great source of encouragement, strength and wisdom. He was a rare find in the fact that he was a genuinely caring individual. In many ways, he reminded me of my father and I always looked forward to seeing him when he came into the stores. He will truly be missed.  My deepest condolences to all of his loved ones.  He spoke of you all with such a sense of pride and deep affection. May your warmest memories of him bring you comfort during this difficult time. You are all in my prayers.

There was never any reason to bring a face of gloom or despair at the Virginia Beach Dems Saturday breakfast gathering.  Regardless of the topic or what the future may hold, our friend Ollie always had the spirit of a lion and the determination of a real trooper.  I will always remember how he was able to rouse us all early in the morning and generate some enthusiastic conversation.  You served us well my friend and the city of Virginia Beach and Dems across the Commonwealth will certainly miss your energy.  Now rest in peace knowing your talent and strength helped all who met you.  As Mark Twain once stated....The radical invents the views, when he has worn them out the conservative adopts them.  Peace

My condolences on the loss of Ollie - I knew him many years ago when I was in the high school band with Heather.  I remember him as a wonderful, funny man...always a smile on his face.  Truly a loss.

Ollie will be missed greatly.  Always a smile, always willing to lend a hand.  The passing of Ollie is the passing of an era. We'll miss him!

Judy,  Stephanie and Heather,
Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to you.  He was a great husband, father and grandfather - his devotion to his family was foremost.  We will miss him.  If there is anything we can do, please ask.  We are always a telephone call away.
Mike and Jean Keelean

Having known Ollie for just a short 12 years I must say that he was a man of character. My most memorable moments are of his invocations at the beginning of industry conferences and his gentlemanly greetings to other industry partners when he entered a room. My deepest sympathy to your family. Ollie will be missed.

We were only in Ollie's company a handful of times, but we will always remember his enthusiasm for causes he believed in and how thoughtful and welcoming he was.  What a wonderful spirit he had.  We wish his family comfort and will always think of him with admiration.

Terry and I were so shocked and saddened to hear of Ollie's death. He was a true hero. He was in a class of his own: funny, intelligent, kind, a true reflection of our Lord. We will miss him.

Dear Judy and Family,
I am shocked and saddened. I saw Ollie just a few months ago while having lunch at the Surfrider in Newtown; he looked fine.
What a privilege it was to know and work with Ollie and then to be followed by him in the post I most loved in the Navy. His energy, quick humor and dignity were role models for all.
Beyond his professionalism and even-tempered nature, I will never forget his passion for helping those less fortunate. His Christmas toys and blankets (etc. etc. etc) campaigns were legends in their own time.
He lives on in our memory.
Leslie

Ollie was one of those people you knew would last forever he had to he was just that good. Now he will last forever in our memory he certainly made an impact on everyone who knew him. His is gracious, kind, generous person. I am truly sorry for your families loss for that is where it cuts the deepest. Ollie will be missed. Terri and Mel Shoulders

We will miss you. May you have fair winds and following seas.

Ben Lehman, CDR, USNR Retired

I've gotten to know Ollie over the last year as he was the President of our ALA Hampton Roads Chapter. He loved to joke with me by saying that we were "cousins" based on having the last name as Bates. I had to break the news this past October at our 65th Annual Convention, that I was just married and was changing my last name. He said that I would always be his "cuz". He was very sweet and always made me laugh. I will miss you Ollie.

So soryy to hear of this!  What a wonderful man he was to work with!  Be encouraged during this time.

So sorry to hear about Ollie's passing.  He was a great guy.  We knew Ollie back in the late 80's and early 90's, when he serviced the U.S. Commissaries.

Ollie's passing will leave a great void in the hearts of all that have been fortunate enough to be touched by his presence. He dedicated is life not only his beautiful family, but to serving others. When I was elected as Chapter President of the HRALA a few years ago, Ollie was always there to provide his constant words of wisdom and stood beside me like a guiding star. Ollie blessed me with a friendship that I will cherish and miss every day.

Very sorry to learn Ollie is gone. I have fond memories of Ollie when he worked at C. L. Johnson.  Semper Fi Ollie.
Joe Sosnicki

We are so sorry for the loss of Ollie. He was a wonderful friend and colleague. He will be missed more than I can say. West Virginia didn't make them any finer. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.

GOD BLISS YOU JUDY SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS . I WILL SEE YOU WEDNESDAY.  LOVE LARRY & JANIE HARRELL

Ollie was an integral part of the Vetshouse organization and a very active and interested board member.  His humor and easy going ways will be sorely missed.  God bless to his family

My condolences to the family of Captain
Bates. I had the pleasure and privilege
to serve under Captain Bates in the
Naval Reserve. He was a fine officer
and was loved by the enlisted men.
He will be truly missed.
Fair winds and following seas, Captain
Bates.

You all are on our hearts. We are so very sorry for your loss.

Ollie has been a friend and mentor for 25 years now. His enthusiasm and love for Military families is as big as it gets !! I am thankful for all of the wonderful memories that I have of Ollie, and my thoughts and prayers go out to the Bates family during this difficult time.

Ollie was a terrific person and a great member of our community and I was so sad to hear he had passed.  Ollie had tremendous energy and channeled it to helping others and motivating people around him to do big things.  He was a huge part of local political life and it was an honor to serve with him on the VetsHouse board.  We will really miss Ollie.

Ollie was a consummate professional whose mission was to serve others. He will be missed by the communities he served for many years, but they will remember his contributions. Our colleague is at peace.

Judy and family:  we are so sorry to hear of Ollie's passing.  He was a very fine gentleman that I always enjoyed being around.  He will be missed at the YMCA, where I saw him most recently

I was so sad to hear of Ollie's passing.  I have known Ollie for over 25 years and could always count on his bright smile when I saw him.  He always took so much pride sharing stories of his family with me, I feel as if I know all of you.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all
Gene Hubbard
G & W Gifts and Awards

I had the pleasure of working with Ollie for many years when I worked for Congressman Owen Pickett and Senator Jim Webb.  We worked together politically as well as with the ALA regarding the military resale system.  Ollie was a wonderful friend!  A "get it done" person, my "go to" friend, a great listener and a terrific human being.  He could work with anyone, was kind and very patient.  I will miss him alot!!  My prayers to his family.

Judy & family,
We have all lost a great person and true friend in our lives. It is indeed a sad day for all of us that have be touched by such a great person.

Dear Judy, We were certainly saddened to hear that Ollie had died.  Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family in this time of sorrow.  In the days ahead, may you find some small comfort in your many happy memories.Don & Sandy Douglas

It was an honor to have known Ollie; a pleasure to work with; a true gentleman.

Our Condolences to the Bates Family.

Ollie was such a Pleasure to be associated with in the Military Resale Industry.
Ollie was a True Gentleman that put Serving the Men & Women of the Armed Forces First & Foremost.

Our Industry has suffered a Great Loss.

Sincerely,

Paul F. Stagner
President/CEO
Global Military Marketing

Ollie was a gentleman in the truest sense of the word.  He worked tirelessly for the Hampton Roads ALA, along with the other organizations he served.  He always did what was best for our customers, and the Military patrons who shopped in the Exchanges and Commissaries.

Ollie, thank you for all you've done for our industry and for your friendship.

Cory Belkov

Very saddened to hear this morning about Ollie's passing. He was certainly one of the most upbeat and positive people I've had the opportunity to work with in a volunteer capacity. He will be missed.

Ollie's friendship and focused professional deamnor will be missed.His loss is a tremendous loss for the community.

Ollie Bates, the epitome of a gentleman. A fellow fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers, and avid debater on the Chris Kettner Specialist Radio Show. Ollie, your spirit has returned to our Lord, but your image will remain with us always. Here is a pic taken on October 31, 2012 as Ollie prepared to enter the radio station studio. What a sense of humor.

Judy and Family...The Blue Family sends our deepest sympathies.  Ollie was a true gentleman and a pillar of our military community. He was a class act, a true friend, and will be sorely missed by all of us who's lives he enriched.  Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Kent

A gentleman, professional, kind, passionate, positive  and honorable loving man. He has a made a remarkable difference in everything he has done and everyone who he has touched !

Stuart and Sharon MacGregor( Flower Mound,Tx)

My heart skipped a beat when I heard about Ollie.  While I only knew him for a short time through various DeCA functions, he was one of the kindest, fun loving, life loving individuals around.  He always had a smile and a something to make you laugh.  He will be missed.  My condolences.

It was an honor and pleasure to work with Ollie in the commissaries. He will surely be missed. He always had a smile and helping hands and worked harder than any of the kids around!

"A benchmark for dedication and leadership in the mission to provide the best possible quality of life for our military and their families.  Ollie ws a friend for many many years and an admired example of what is great about America.  His contributions will never be forgotten..."  Pat & Ginny Nixon

It has been a very long time since I spent time around Ollie.  But I do have some very fond childhood memories of spending family time around him and Aunt Alice especially when we would pass through Va Beach area on the way to Nags Head if my memory serves me.  That was back in the 60s and 70s and we have since lived in SC for a long time.  I hate that that distance kept us from having more memories.  I remember Ollie as a great guy and very kind. I also had the pleasure to speak with Stephanie a while back.   I am so sorry to hear of Ollie's passing.  We send our love and of course, our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this very tough time.

Mrs.Bates and Family,
I am so very sorry to hear of Ollie's passing. He was  one of the most pleasant, warm hearted people I have ever had the pleasure to know. I send my most sincerest,and heartfelt sympathy to you and your family,and will hold you all in my prayers.

We were so lucky to be able share with Ollie his love of travel, politics, and hockey. He was one of the most loving husbands, father, and grandfather we have ever known. We will miss him.

                                                Susie and Jim Vroom(Virginia Beach)

To the Family of Ollie B. Bates, III;
I had the pleasure, I'm sorry, Honor, of serving with Ollie when we were both members of Detachment 206, US CINCLANT, beginning in October of 1985 until Ollie left the unit.  While serving with him I was always impressed with his caring for others.  We had more unique experiences while delivering Christmas gifts to some of Norfolk's unfortunate citizens during those years.  He was always the first Navel officer to sample the pig at the unit's annual physical fitness drill in May, and he was the best cheerleader for the Navy/Marines during the softball game when they tried to beat the Army/Air Force team.  But, at all times, he was an OFFICER and a TRUE GENTLEMEN.  He will be missed.  May he have, on this his last trip, calm seas and following winds, as he ascends into Heaven.

I will forever remember "Mr. Bates" as a fun-loving and dedicated band parent for the Kempsville Marching Chiefs.  I don't recall a football game, competition, parade, or fundraising event when Mr. Bates wasn't there pitching in to help everything run smoothly--and smiling the whole time!  No one doubted his love for his family or for our organization.  Although I knew Mr. Bates for only a few short years and only in this limited role, I count myself among the many who were blessed by his generosity and commitment.

I had the pleasure and honor of knowing Ollie for many years, and in different venues - neighbor in Larkspur, fellow boardmember at the YMCA, Fellow employee at CLJ, friendly competitor in the Commissary system, and as a good friend.  He was one guy who was always trying to do good in his daily life.  A friend, good citizen, Proud father, good neighbor and just a great guy who will be missed by his family and all that he had come in contact with.  Fair winds and a following sea, Ollie, we are sorry to see you go. 

Joe Mullen
Hendersonville, NC

To the family of Ollie B. Bates, III, CAPT, USNR (RET.),
I had the pleasure, I'm sorry, Honor, of serving with Ollie when we were both members of Detachment 206, US CINCLANT, beginning in October of 1985 until Ollie left the unit.  While serving with him I was always impressed with his true caring for others.  We had more unique experiences while delivering Christmas gifts to some of Norfolk's unfortunate citizens during those years.  He was always the first to sample the pig at the unit's annual physical fitness drill in May, and was the best cheerleader for the Navy/Marines during the softball game when they tried to beat the Army/Air Force team.  But, at all times, he was an OFFICER and a TRUE GENTLEMAN.  He will be missed.  May he have, on this his last trip, calm seas and following winds as he ascends into Heaven.

All the years that I was close to Stefanie, I was close to her Daddy. He loved his girls so well. Mr. Bates (I still think of him as if I was a girl) was truly one of the best men I ever met. Mrs. Bates, Stefanie, & Heather, I miss you all and I grieve deeply for your loss. I pray the Lord will comfort you daily.

Ollie was a true warrior for the VB Democratic City Committee. He was a wonderful friend who was loved by so many. I'll miss you buddy.

I miss you already my friend. I wish you fair winds and calms seas my mentor, teacher, fellow board member and friend. My prayers are with you and your wonderful family. You were loved and respected by so many souls and you always gave everything you had to anyone in need. You are a true American Patriot. God bless you & RIP Ollie Bates.

It has been many years since those days at Kempsville Meadows Swim Club  but I remember what a great father he was to the girls and how kind he always was, my prayers go out to the family.

When I was just a little kid in the summer, Mr. Bates would load up his car with the entire neighborhood of children.  He would drive us to 7-11 and treat us to sweets and Slurpies.  You never forget people who bring kindness and joy.

Judy,
   Ollie is, without exception, the most honorable and loving man I have ever had the pleasure to be a friend of.  His untimely passing came as a shock and I am grateful for the fond memories I have.  I take comfort in knowing where Ollie will spend eternity, because of his faith in Jesus Christ and the Grace of God.  God bless you and your family during this time of sorry.  I will miss Captain Ollie Bates USNR.  He was a great man and I salute him!

Glenn W. Greene
Captain USAR

Ollie was a wonderful friend and colleague. He always had a smile and a kind word to everyone he met. We will miss him. Tricia and I send our deepest sympathies.
Steve & Tricia Ganzert

Judy and family, I am so sorry for your loss.  I thought the world of Ollie.  I will never forget...if I was any better - I'd be a twin.  He was a true gentle man.  He will be missed by all who knew him.  My prayers are with you all.

A wonderful husband, father, and grandfather, Ollie was one of the most fun loving and upbeat fellows I have ever met and always put a smile on your face.  A longtime friend, Ollie will be sorely missed.  My thoughts and prayers are with the family at this extremely  difficult time.

Judy,
Mike and I were so sorry to hear about Ollie's passing. We have so many fond memories of the times we shared with both of you -- especially Ollie's jokes. You will be in our prayers.

OBITUARY

Ollie Burton Bates, III

July 2, 1940 – November 9, 2012

Smith & Williams Funeral Home/Kempsville

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