William Brent Bates of Heber Springs, Arkansas was born January 20, 1961 in Little Rock the son of James Thomas Bates, Jr. and Nova J. Damron Bates. He was a 1979 graduate of Sheridan High School, a member of the Church of Christ in Heber Springs and was a carman for Union Pacific Railroad. He enjoyed going on cruises with his wife, fishing, playing pickle ball, and watching cars go by his house from his front porch. He was also known for never meeting a stranger, being a pest and loving on his grandchildren.

Brent died January 27, 2024 at Baptist Medical Center in Little Rock at the age of 63.

He was preceded in death by his father-in-law, Hershel Caldwell.

Survivors: wife of 41 years, Cheryl Caldwell Bates of Heber Springs; sons and daughters-in-law, William Bradley Bates (Rachel) of Heber Springs, Jimmy Hershel Bates (Emily) of Little Rock; parents, James and Nova Bates of East End; sister, Jamye Ericson of East End; mother-in-law, Pat Caldwell of Heber Springs; 5 grandchildren, Olivia, Emma, Jaxon, Evan, Maddie and a host of extended family members, and many friends.

Funeral service will be 11:00 A.M. Thursday, February 1, 2024 at East End Baptist Church in East End with visitation prior to the service from 10:00 A.M. until service time. Graveside will be at 3:00 P.M. also on Thursday at Crossroads Cemetery in Greers Ferry.

Pallbearers are David Ashley, Scott Young, Casey Williams, Keith Stafford, Andrew Caldwell, David Caldwell and Thomas Williams.  Honorary pallbearers are his 5 precious grandchildren, Cody Williams, Allen Stafford and Johnny Stafford.