Richard Bates

Richard Bates In the terms of aviators, Richard Dally Bates, has Gone West and is flying without a plane. Richard, long time resident of Lakeland FL, passed from this life on January 31, 2023, after a month-long battle to remain. He was just a few days short of his 87 birthday. Richard spent much of his life in aviation from his military service as a crew chief on a F-104 Star Fighter in the Airforce, then as a hobby sky diver, a pilot, and in his later years in the aviation community as owner of Florida Aircraft Tire Service (FL), one of the few retread industries in the world. At 26, Staff Sargent Bates was a member of the 108th Camron, an honorary group composed of skydivers who have dived from a height of 7600 feet at 120 mph. He stated that diving was like being “suspended in space, flying without a plane.” Privately he owned and operated a B25, Cessna 195, Cessna 182, Piper Arrow, Cessna 310, and Cessna 205. He was a member of the International Quiet Birdmen organization (QB’s) and a familiar volunteer working Sun-N-Fun for many years. Richard and Sue have lived in one of Lakeland’s aviation communities, Southwind Lakeland Airport, for many years building one of the early houses along the private runway, X-49. He spent a lifetime working on planes, flying his own, and telling expanded stories about aviation over Happy Hour with friends. Born in Columbia, South Carolina, February 11, 1936, Richard was preceded in death by his parents William Wesley and Elizabeth Keesee Bates, and his brothers William Robert Bates and Wesley Peyton Bates. Sue Bates, his wife of 33 years, and his sister, Sara Jenkins (SC) survive with a plethora of children and grands across multiple states. Surviving children are Lillian Bates (Keith Shurett), Eve Lynch (Paul Dobslaw), Richie Bates (Tina), Jill Hunnicutt (Mark) and Jesse Nelson (Sandy). Grandchildren include Ceilidhe Bates-Shurett, Ian Bates-Shurett, Eden Lynch, Zach (Natalie) Lynch, Louis Lynch, Adam Bates, Krista (Philip) Petty, Ryan Hunnicutt, Rebecca Nelson, Amanda, Ivy Gilstrap and Dawn Gilstrap. Great Grandchildren are Emsley Lynch, Darla Lynch, Silas Lynch, Gavin Petty, Chase Petty and Gauge Pitt A Remembrance service is scheduled for 2:00 P.M., Friday, February 10, 2023 Gentry Morrison Funeral Home, Southside Chapel, 1727 Bartow Road, Lakeland FL 33801. Friends and family are welcome to share a story to celebrate Richard’s life. Condolences can be posted at www.gentry-morrison.com In Lieu of flowers, donations for final expenses can be made at GoFundMe website https://gofund.me/3a1f2a9a

Richard Bates

February 11, 1936 - January 31, 2023