Richard Joe Bates of Sheridan, Arkansas was born April 16, 1952 at Bakersfield, California, the son of the late James Henry and Olene Lybrand Bates. He was a member of Philadelphia Missionary Baptist Church in Prattsville, formerly served in the Arkansas Army National Guard, and retired from Cotton Belt Railroad as a yardmaster. Richard loved being outdoors. He was a member of Grapevine Hunting Club and could build or fix anything. His greatest joy was his family and his proudest job was being the grandpa of 17 grandkids.

Richard died Friday, April 6, 2012 at his home at the age of 59. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, James Olen Bates and an infant sister, Kay Frances Bates.

Survivors include his wife, Sandra Bates of Sheridan; daughters, Mishey and husband Josh Brown, Cindy and husband Paul Wylie and Lisa and husband David Walters, all of Sheridan; sons, Ryan Bates of Benton, David and wife Angel Gilbert of Grapevine, and John and wife Terri Harris of Sheridan; sister, Mary Faye Bulla of Ozark; mother-in-law, Jean McGhee of Sheridan; Sisters and brothers-in-law, Phil and Joy Shirron and Devalyn and Mike Harris, all of Sheridan; 17 grandchildren; A host of other relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 A.M., Tuesday, April 10, 2012 at Memorial Gardens Funeral Home Chapel in Sheridan with Bro. Jerry Wallace officiating. Visitation: Monday, 6:00-8:00 P.M. Memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Association, Philadelphia Missionary Baptist Church or Philadelphia Cemetery Association.