Willie Ray Bates, Jr.

Mr. Willie Ray Bates, Jr. was born October 6, 1950 in Prosperity, South Carolina to the late Willie Ray Bates and the late Estella Ruff Bates.  He passed away on Wednesday, December 29, 2021 at Prisma Health Richland Hospital.

Mr. Bates was employed with  Tom Brigman Contractors.  He attended Newberry County Public Schools.

Mr. Bates was predeceased by siblings Emma Bates, Tina Bates, Bessie Boyd, Lee Norris; uncle, Sidney Bates, and mother-in-law, Dorothy Little.

He is survived by his wife, Linda Bates; daughters Letonya Bates and Tasha Bates; siblings, Alzalee Tucker, Arabelle Bates, Tracey Bates, Jewel Bates, Carolyn Bates, Gwen Parker (Bruce),  Deborah Cockel (Eddie), and Sonyaray Bates; aunts, Ida Dickson and Rosie Linger; uncle, Steve Wise; brothers-in-law, William Booker and Jerry Long; grandchildren, Latazma Bates, Keywanya Bate, Keylonte Bates, and Tamostny Bates; great-grandchildren, Jamarriuna Bates-Counts, Braylnn Bates and Jaivenchy Gardner; other relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, January 4, 2022 at 2:00 pm at Helena Community Outreach Ministry, 1928 Wilson Road, Newberry, SC.  Viewing will be on Monday, January 3, 2022 from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm at the Fred B. Pratt Memorial Chapel.  All in attendance are required to wear a double mask or face covering and to practice social distancing.

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