"In the twinkling of an eye, the time comes for every human being when earthly ties must be broken and transformed from mortal to immortal."  Percy Lee Bates, Sr. peacefully entered eternal rest on Saturday, August 30, 2025, at the Addison Heights Health and Rehabilitation Center in Maumee, OH, at the age of 87.

Ecclesiastes 3:1, "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens".

A Time To Be Born

Percy Lee Bates made his entrance into this world on January 22, 1938, in Colbert County, Sheffield, Alabama. He was the youngest boy born to Gizell Johnson Bates Mars and Greene Bates. He attended New Bethel School in Colbert County, Alabama and would proudly share fond memories of his childhood life in Muscle Shoals, Alabama.

A Time To Embrace

At the age of 18, Percy enlisted in the United States Army in 1956 and served honorably until 1959. He then continued his service with the United States Army Reserve through 1962.  While in the Army, he became a professional pool player and was awarded various medals.

After completion of his military service, Percy began his journey of seeking employment. First to Detroit Michigan working a short time with General Motors and then relocating to Lima, OH, and working for the City of Lima and the Ohio Window Company.

In 1963, Percy made a decision to move to the nation's capital, Washington, D. C., for a better job opportunity to support his family.  He began working at various maintenance and construction jobs at the M. V. Contractors Construction company.  Ultimately owning his craft, Percy became a master concrete finisher, skilled at working with concrete by placing, finishing, protecting and repairing concrete in engineering and construction projects.  Percy took pride in his ability to assist with the construction of the FBI Building in downtown Washington, DC, 10th and Pennsylvania Avenue.

A Time To Plant

In 1960, Percy married Annie Bell Danzy in Lima, Ohio, who preceded him in death, and from that union they had two daughters, Sharon, Carolyn Ann, and one son Steven Bates.  In 1964, he met Ms. Robbie Clark in Washington, DC, and from that union they had two daughters, Tammi Lenore and Doreen Annette.  In 1977, he married Lillie Ruth Smith in Bennettesville, SC, who preceded him in death, and from that union they had one son Percy Bates, Jr, and he fathered Lillie's sons Bobby, Terry, and James, along with their children.  In 2007, he married Lillian Marie Spruill in Washington, DC, and they lived out their retirement years, back to his roots, in Lima, Ohio.

A Time To Laugh

Percy was known for his handsome smile and neat, stylish attire. He was "always" dapper down in his finest suits, matching vests, suspenders, and fancy shoes…a well dressed man.  He loved the Motown music era, singing, dancing and imitating James Brown, "Get on the Good Foot" song, doing the "Good Foot".  He enjoyed playing cards and hosting card parties at his home with family and friends, making card bets that few could beat.  One of his favorite pastimes was fishing, working in his yard, tending to his lawn, planting flowers, repairing and patching up things around his home. Percy was also a great cook, making delicious home cooked southern meals, especially his favorite - pork chops, candied yams, and fried corn.  Although he was a quiet man of few words, he loved to laugh and joke, and spend lots of good times with his family and friends.

A Time To Weep

Percy was preceded in death by his:  Parents Gizell Johnson Bates Mars and Greene Bates;  Brothers:  Edward Bates, Greene Bates, Jr, Jeremiah Bates, Ozzie Bates, William Thomas Bates;  Sisters: Ceola Lucille Bates Newsome, Laura Bates Cobb, Mattie Elizabeth Bates Wilkerson, Sylvia Lee Bates Burns, Rosie Mae Bates Meredith, Pearlean Bates; Daughter: Sharon Bates; and Son: Percy Bates, Jr. Stepson; Terry Ford.Two Close Sister-in-Laws, Clementine (Tina) Bates and Frances Warren who both recently passed away.

A Time to Love

Left to love and cherish his sweet memories are his: Wife: Lillian Marie Bates. Children: Carolyn Ann Bates, Steven Bates, Tammi Lenore Moore (Michael), Doreen Annette Robinson (Anthony); Stepsons Bobby Ford, James Ford, and their children; Grandchildren: Terea Mosley, Rodney Mills, Chris Bates, Tangela Henry, Detravan Henry, Jon Taylor, Samara Payton, Scott Payton (Lyyou), Matthew Morton, Grace Williams, Ronald Williams, Jr.

Beloved nephew Anthony Bates; and recent Caregivers niece, Esther Horrison and  great niece Sharonica Horrison.

Host of great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, close family, friends, and neighbors.

Services will be held on Tuesday, September 9, 2025 at 12:00 p.m. at the Chapel of Jones-Clark Funeral Home, Inc.

Visitation/wake will be held on Tuesday, September 9, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. until time of services at also at the Funeral Home.

Rev. Dr. John H. MCants, officiating.

Military Honors will be performed by V.F.W. 1275 Honor Guard.

Interment:  Memorial Park Cemetery in Lima.

Services entrusted to: JONES-CLARK FUNERAL HOME, INC.

To order flowers and to offer condolences to the BATES Family, visit www.jonesclarkfuneralhome.com