Gary Ross Bates, 84, of Isaac Creek Road, passed away Monday, January 6th, 2025, at the West Virginia Veterans Nursing Facility. He was born July 17th, 1940 in Clarksburg, West Virginia. Gary was the son of the late Gerald Leo Bates and Mildred (Rogers) Bates. He was also preceded in death by his wife, Patricia Ann (Coburn) Bates, son, Andrew Milton Bates, and a sister, Nancy Spring.
Surviving are one son, Thyrone (Ty) Bates and his loving wife Starla; one sister, Karen Blocker and husband Scott all of Isaac Creek, one
brother Charles Gerald Bates, of CA; five grandchildren, Mary Elizabeth Hull, Tabatha Ann Bates, Gary Ross Bates, II, Gerald Leo Bates, Irene Cleo Bates and Aliza Bates; four great grandchildren; one special friend and cousin, Eugene W. Rogers who was the same as a brother to him; and many friends
Gary worked as a welder, heavy equipment operator and mechanic for Union Carbide, Ten-A-Coal and Lang Brothers. In his younger years he enjoyed racing dirt track cars, and he was mighty good at it, cars like #44, #19, Mark 5 and my personal favorite was the Tonya Lee Special, owned by Cliff Cochran of Glenn Falls. Gary was a graduate of Lumberport High School, Class of 1959. After school, he joined the United States Army, where he served four years and was honorably discharged. He will be greatly missed.
The family would like to extend a special thanks to all the wonderful people at the WV Veteran’s Nursing facility. They did an excellent job taking care of dad, all the way till the end. You couldn’t find a nicer bunch of people!
In keeping with his wishes, cremation services were provided. A small private graveside service may be held in the springtime. Condolences may be extended to the family at www.perinefunerals.com. The Perine Funeral Home is honored to serve the Bates family.