Richard Daniel Bates

Richard Daniel Bates, 84

Richard Daniel Bates of Lake Wales passed away Thursday, March 31, 2022 at AdventHealth Lake Wales.

He was born July 5, 1937 in Pittsfield, Massachusetts to the late Charles and Margaret Bates; he moved to Lake Wales from Fort Pierce 30 years ago. Richard was a retired salesman and a veteran of the United States Marines. He was a member of the VFW and the Elk’s Lodge and of the Catholic faith. He loved to sell cars, do cross word puzzles, and play scrabble. Richard was a graduate of Florida State University where he played football and was still a huge fan.

Richard was preceded in death by his daughter, Tina Castillo; sons-in-law, Jack Kingsley, Sam Renfro, and Tony Castillo; brother-in-law, Jack Hamrick; and grandson, Coty Renfro. He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Barbara Bates; daughters, Laura Kingsley of Babson Park, Christine Renfro of Sebring, Dolores Vogel and husband Buck of Lake Wales, and Dianne Bates; sons, David Bates and wife Josie of Ormond Beach, Richard Bates and wife Liz, and Forrest Mericle and wife Michelle of Rocky Mount, North Carolina; sister, Dolores Hamrick of Aiken, South Carolina; brother, David Bates and wife Ann of Ivoryton, Connecticut; many cherished grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and his best friend and favorite child, his dog, Clyde.

A memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Sunday, April 3, 2022 at Marion Nelson Funeral Home in Lake Wales with Pastor Denny Cothern officiating.