William Robert Bates' Obituary
BATES, WILLIAM R. “BOB” of Dallas died March 8, 2013 due to complications following surgery. He was born in Falls City, NE and later moved to Kansas City, MO. There he attended elementary through high school. Bob was an Eagle Scout. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy after high school and was attached to Submarine Service during World War II – serving 3 years in the Pacific Theater. After the war, he attended the University of Missouri. In 1948 he moved to Dallas to attend the Southwest Photo Arts Institute. Upon graduation, he returned to college at East Texas State University completing his Masters degree. Bob began his career as a high school football coach for eight years in Garrison and Hallsville. In 1957 he left coaching to take the position of Sales Engineer for 3M Co. in San Antonio and Dallas. Years later, he accepted a positoin as National Sales Manager/V.P. of Marketing for Thermalloy, traveling nationally and internationally. He ended his corporate career as V.P. of Marketing for LTV Educational Systems in Dallas. For the next twenty-five years he successfully ran his own custom home business. He enjoyed this creativity, often saying “I never built the same house twice.” He took pride in being a self-starter with a committed work ethic. Having traveled extensively over the world, he enjoyed sharing his knowledge and his wit and humor with others. As a Christian man who loved God and his church, he volunteered in many ways. At Park Cities Baptist, he served on the Prime Time Council for seven years and served in all class officer positions. He volunteered and was generous with many worthy causes. He was a strong supporter of Plan Living Assistance Network, a charity that aids adults with serious and persistent mental illness. He served on their Board of Directors, heading up the facilities committee looking for housing and funding for the PLAN Members. Bob was married for 52 years to Ray who preceded him in death. They had two children Bill Bates of Houston and Kenneth and wife, Linda of Tyler along with their two granddaughters, Diana Martinez and husband, Raymon with their five chldren and Jennifer and husband, Chad with their three children. He is survived by his wife, Linda Claire Bates, his immediate family and Linda’s daughter, Nicole Frost and daughter, Alexandria of Tarzana, CA and son, Tim and Beth Walker of Thrall, TX. Bob was a loving husband who was proud of is family.A memorial service will be held Thursday, March 14, 2013 at 10:00 AM at Park Cities Baptist Church in Ellis Chapel, 3933 N.W. Hwy, Dallas, Tx. 75225. Dr. Jack Martin will officiate with Dr. Tom Hill assisting. Bob requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to PLAN at 1315 Emily Rd., Suite 240 Dallas, TX 75240.
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