Benjamin R. "Rick" Bates Jr. was born on February 5, 1951, the son of Benjamin R. and Eva Bates, and passed away on July 24, 2025, at the age of 74 years.

Rick was preceded in death by his parents, one (1) grandson, Honor Bates, one (1) sister, Gloria Smith, one (1) infant brother, and several aunts and uncles.

Rick is survived by his wife Becky Bates, who he married on October 10, 1978, at Grand Forks, North Dakota, four (4) children, Jody (Crystal) Bates, Benjamin R. "Ricky" (Lydia) Bates, Scott (Mandy) Bates, Chris Bates, one (1) daughter, Eva Bates, thirteen (13) grandchildren, Kyle Nevius, Lane Bates, Cody Bates, Wyatt Bates, Landon Bates, Brandon Evansco, Dimitri Bates, Xavier Bates, Aidan Bates, Tristan Bates, Freedom Bates, Justus Bates, and Liberty Bates, also 1 great granddaughter, 3 great grandsons, 1 niece Glenda (Floyd) Hutchison, numerous other nieces and nephews family and friends.

Rick was a United States Air Force Veteran, he was a member of the First Assembly of God Church in Fredericktown, Rick loved the Lord, he enjoyed being a preacher for 40 plus years, he loved his wife and kids, playing the guitar, and spending time with family and friends.