Billy Gene Bates, 85, a resident of Benton, passed away Tuesday, July 14, 2015 at a Chattanooga healthcare facility. He was a boilermaker and union steward for many years. After he retired, he enjoyed going to Florida and spending winter there. He dearly loved his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was a member of Ocoee Lodge 212 F&AM, Scottish Rite and Alhambra Shrine. He was preceded in death by his wife, Betty Jean Byrd Bates; mother, Robbie Long Mowery. Survivors include his children, Patricia and Stanley Shannon and Jeffrey and Kathleen Bates all of Benton, TN; grandchildren and spouses, Jason and Lori Mull, Heather and Dan Brock, Shane and Brooke Mull, Cheyenne Bates, Casey Bates and step-grandchild and spouse Debra and Richie Patel; great-grandchildren, Chase Mull, Chloe Brock, Spenser Mull, Mallorie Brock, Sean Brock, Katelyn Mull, Braxton Fowler-Gates, Braylon and Brody Mull; step-great-grandchildren; Trina Patel, Nina Patel, Phoenix Patel and Angel Patel; special friends Derrick Saxe, Lynn Bivens and Tonia Black. The family will receive friends from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. Saturday, July 18, 2015 at Higgins Funeral Home. There will be no funeral service. A private burial will be held by his family at a later date. In lieu of flowers the family request memorials be made to the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105-3678. We invite you to send a message of condolence and view the Bates family guest book at www.higginsfuneral.com.
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