Robert Bates

BATES, Robert William - Age 75, of Gaines, died Friday, November 20, 2020.  Private funeral services will be held 1:00 PM Monday, November 23, 2020 at Sharp Funeral Homes, Fenton Chapel, 1000 Silver Lake Road, Fenton (Live streaming of the funeral service will be available at www.sharpfuneralhomes.com).  Pastor Robbie Carnes officiating.  Burial in Crestwood Memorial Cemetery, Grand Blanc. Public visitation will be held at the funeral home Monday, November 23, 2020 from 9 AM - 12 PM.  Contributions may be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children.

Robert was born October 2, 1945 in Lansing, the son of James William and Virginia Elizabeth (Brooks) Bates.  He attended Holly High School.  He was a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corp during the Viet Nam Era.  He married Carol Jean Cooney September 24, 1966 in Holly.  Robert had been employed by Mead Containers for 25 years and he retired from GM Grand Blanc Plant after 24 years of service.  He also was a farmer his entire life.  He had resided in the Gaines area since 1967.  Robert was a member of U.A.W. Local 1292.

Surviving are: his wife of 54 years, Carol Jean; son, Robert James Bates (Cheryl) of Hampshire, TN; daughter, Tina Marie Hylton (Darren) of St. Augustine, FL; grandchildren, Daniel Bates of Lewisburg, TN, Cheyenna Mayfield (Doug) of Spring Hill, TN, Julian Hylton of St. Augustine, FL, and Adrian Hylton of St. Augustine, FL; great grandchildren, A.J. and Lilly; siblings, Jim Bates of Mancelona, Betty King (Dennis) of Durand, and Bonnie Wooten (Ken) of Pensacola, FL; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and brothers, Dick and Don Bates.  Tributes may be shared at www.sharpfuneralhomes.com.