Obituary of William A. Bates

Bill Bates, age 75, passed away at his home in West Melbourne, Florida. He was born in Dover, Delaware; however, his family relocated over the years throughout Pennsylvania and Virginia. In his teens, he with his father and mother built a cabin in the mountains of Pennsylvania which still stands today as the family cabin. Bill was active in Boy Scouts and attained the honor of Eagle Scout attesting to his strong character. High school years were spent at the Tilton School in New Hampshire. He graduated from Washington & Jefferson College with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, and was active in the Army ROTC program. He managed to fit in a cross-country road trip in his early 20s. His innate ability and acquired skill for building and restoration was something he enjoyed---restoring his MG sports car, or building an addition or deck were practical past-times. Even though his vocation was that of Computer Programmer, his talents were diverse: sailing his classic Westerly on the Chesapeake, or fulfilling his goal of sailing around Cape Fear; renovating a 3-story home in a historic section of Wilmington, Delaware, to eventually restoring a 200 year old farmhouse in Chester County, Pennsylvania. In 2014, he retired to the Space Coast in Florida for some well-earned R&R relaxing by the ocean and pool with friends and family. Bill was a generous man with a great sense of humor. His smiling face and quick wit will be missed. 

Bill is survived by his wife of 34 years, Diane Bates; brother, Brad Bates (Sharon); his sons, Christopher Bates and Ryan Bates (Christine); and two grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his gracious parents, William K. Bates and Barbara H. Bates; and sister, Barbara Bates Kercher. 

Services will be private and at the convenience of the family.