Nicholas Mart Bates, 42, of Reliance, Tennessee, passed away on September 16, 2026.

He was born on July 20, 1984, in Cleveland, TN to Don “Mickey” and June Bates.

While Nick was a resident of Reliance, TN, he was from Etowah, TN. He was a loving friend, father, and son.

The love he shared, and the memories he made, will remain in the hearts of those he was close to forever. Nick was also an avid member of several online communities where he played games, shared stories, and provided laughter for dozens.

He was preceded in death by his son, Brayden Bates; paternal grandparents, Luke and Carrie Bates; maternal grandparents, Junior and Bernice Freeman, alongside many aunts and uncles.

Left to cherish the many memories include, his son, Lucas Bailey Bates; parents, Mickey and June Bates. Countless friends and family, whose lives were enriched by knowing him, also survive.

Although Nick will be missed deeply, the legacy, love and laughter that he left behind will be carried in the hearts of everyone who knew him.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 19, 2026, in the chapel of Higgins Funeral Home with Pastor Pete Morgan officiating. Interment will follow at Burchfield Cemetery with Dustin Bates, Travis Bates, Mike Bates, Chris Bates, Cicero Carroll and Phoot Carroll serving as pallbearers. Matt Bates, Rickey Bates, James Woodruff, Jason Woodruff and Wayne Brewer will serve as honorary pallbearers.

His family will receive friends from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, prior to the service at the funeral home.

Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at www.higginsfunerals.com.

Arrangements are by Higgins Funeral Home of Benton.