Walter Earl "Walt" Bates Jr's Obituary
Walter Earl “Walt” Bates Jr., age 69, met his father and savior on Wednesday, November 20, 2019 after a courageous battle. He was born to Walter and Dorothy (Nash) Bates Sr. on April 25, 1950 in Muskegon, MI. Walter resided in Milwaukee, Wisconsin from 1979 to 1996 while residing there, Walter received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin, where he focused his studies in counseling. He was a dedicated employee to Nu-Way Transportation Services; where he worked for 22 years in shipping and receiving. Walter attended New Hope Baptist Church most of his life.
On June 12, 2003, Walt married the former Carolyn Lewis and together they cherished 22 years full of love and laughter. In his spare time, he enjoyed reading and watching movies that were focused around the Old West. He took pleasure in watching basketball and teaching his grandchildren how to swim. He prided himself on his appearance and always dressed to impress. Above all things, he enjoyed spending time with his friends and family. Walt was a natural at being a people person, just about anybody and everybody knew him. He was an outgoing and talkative person who loved to make you smile and laugh. He was a strong-willed; tender-hearted soul who will be missed by all that knew him.
He is survived by his wife, Carolyn Bates; 10 children, James Sherrod of Lawrenceville, GA, Dormeka Bates, Cormeka Bates, LRae (Mercedes) Manurs of Muskegon, Michigan, Ashantae Bates of Grand Rapids, MI, Kimberly (Ricky) Williams, Tonya (Bobby) Waire Desmond (Tameka) Means, Amber (Steven) Hughes all of Muskegon, MI and, Danee Means of Detroit, MI; 3 brothers, Dennis (Kimberly) Bates of Kalamazoo, MI, Kenneth (Doris) Bates of Muskegon, MI, Jeffrey (Trill) Bates of Grand Rapids, MI; several grandchildren; and numerous great and great-great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents Henry Bates, Minnie Bates, T.J. Nash, and Luella Nash; parents Walter Bates, Sr., Dorothy Mae Bates; 2 brothers; Henry Bates and Roger Bates.
Funeral Service will be held at 11:00AM with visitation starting at 10:00AM on Wednesday, November 27, 2019 at the Kingdom Embassy Covenant Church, 3025 Glenside Blvd, Muskegon, MI 49441 with Pastor Arthur Duren officiating. Visitation with the family will be held from 6:00PM-8:00PM on Tuesday, November 26, 2019 at The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Cremation & Funeral Services, 6291 S. Harvey St., Norton Shores, MI 49444. Share memories with the family at www.sytsemafh.com
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