William "Bill" Bates' Obituary
William Joseph (Bill) Bates, 83, passed away on May 27, 2017, at Baylor, Scott & White – Garland, surrounded by his family. Originally born in Lynn, Massachusetts, Bill resided in Garland, Texas with his wife, Marilynn, for the past 44 years. This year they celebrated their 59th wedding anniversary. Bill served his country in both the US National Guard and US Army Airborne. After discharge, he spent most of his life working in computer operations for such entities as Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory, Chilton Computer Corporation, and University of Texas at Dallas. When times were hard, Bill took on other roles such as ice cream truck driver, short-order cook, and telemarketer, in order to support his family. Animals were always close to his heart and he was truly a friend to any cat or dog he came in contact with. Bill enjoyed traveling, playing computer, board, and card games, attending church, and spending time with family and friends, especially going to see his grandchildren pursue any activity in which they participated. Bill was preceded in death by parents Howard and Georgiana Smith, brothers Herbert, George, and Robert, and sister Betty. He is survived by wife, Marilynn; six children and their spouses: Robert and Sherrie Kee-Bates of Carrollton, Michael and Lorraine of Prosper, Thomas and Debbie of Frisco, Nancy and Nery Rosales of Mesquite, Matthew and Ioana of Richardson, and Patricia Blair and Caitlyn Pepe of Garland; grandchildren Brandi and husband Blake McBride, Michael J., Christopher and wife Mellisa Bruton, Thomas P., Samantha, Nery Rosales Jr., and Owen and Kylee Blair; great grandchildren Dakota, Evyn, and Carter Bruton, and Blakely and Brantley McBride; and other extended family living in Massachusetts and Florida. Funeral arrangements are under the care of Restland Funeral Home located at 13005 Greenville Ave., Dallas, TX 75243 and no services have been scheduled at this time.
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