R. V. Bates

R. V. "Bill" Bates,85 , died Friday, June 12, 2009 in Azle. Funeral Service: 10:00 A.M. Monday, June 15 at Azle Church of Christ. Interment: Azleland Cemetery. Visitation: 4 to 6 P.M. Sunday at White's Azle Funeral Home.R. V. "Bill" Bates was born Oct. 27, 1923 to Luther and Ella Bates in Grand Saline. He was a longtime resident of Azle. His life was centered around his family, farm and friends. He fought in the Pacific Campaign in World War II serving in the battles of Okinawa, Guam, Saipan, Iwo Jima and the occupation of Japan. Bill honorably served his country in the United States Navy for 23 months with no furlough. He returned to Colorado City and met and married Vernell Huling on March 18, 1946. They moved to Azle in 1951. Bill had been a faithful member of the Azle Church of Christ for 57 years. He loved to watch his family participate in any activity. Bill was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Irene Merritt and Lavada (Dude) Donaldson; and brother, M.J. (Shorty) Bates.Survivors: wife of 63 years, Nell Bates of Azle; son, Dwain Bates of Azle; daughters, Lana Willingham of Azle and Kathy Bates Cleveland and husband, Dale of Springtown; 7 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; sister, Pearlene Daughtery of San Angelo; many nieces and nephews who are loved very much; cousins and friends from Grand Saline; niece and lifelong friends from Odessa.