William Bates

William Roy Bates William Roy Bates, 71, of Hillman, passed away on March 22, 2008 at his residence. He was born on Mary 20, 1936 to Roy and Esther (Olsen) Bates in Hillman Twp, MI. He married the former Roselyn Worth on December 9, 1972. Bill lived in Hillman his entire life and was a member of St Johns Lutheran Church. He taught school in AuGres, Green Twp, and at Alpena Jr High. He then owned and operated the Total Gas Station, a Dairy Farm, and Bills Merchandise and Bait Shop in the Hillman Area over the years. He served 8 yrs as Montmorency County Sheriff, and also spent time as the manager at Turtle Lake Club. He was an avid fisherman and hunter, truly loved to hunt deer and bear. Bill was a work-aholic, he always had something going. Bill is survived by his wife, Rose; sons, Seth (Annette) Bates of Greenville, SC, and George (Cathy) Reo of Hillman; daughters, Tonica Bates of Grand Blanc, MI, and Vicki Reo and Michelle (Chris) Klotz, both of Hillman; 12 grandchildren; 2 great grandchildren-with one on the way; and a brother, Wayne (Shary) Bates of Centerville, TX. He was preceded in death by a son, Todd. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, March 26, 2008 at St Johns Lutheran Church, at 11:00 a.m., Pastor Jason Mandley officiating. Visitation hours will be held on Tuesday from 5-9 p.m. at the church.
He was born on Mary 20, 1936 to Roy and Esther (Olsen) Bates in Hillman Twp, MI. He married the former Roselyn Worth on December 9, 1972. Bill lived in Hillman his entire life and was a member of St Johns Lutheran Church. He taught school in AuGres, Green Twp, and at Alpena Jr High. He then owned and operated the Total Gas Station, a Dairy Farm, and Bills Merchandise and Bait Shop in the Hillman Area over the years. He served 8 yrs as Montmorency County Sheriff, and also spent time as the manager at Turtle Lake Club. He was an avid fisherman and hunter, truly loved to hunt deer and bear. Bill was a work-aholic, he always had something going.
Bill is survived by his wife, Rose; sons, Seth (Annette) Bates of Greenville, SC, and George (Cathy) Reo of Hillman; daughters, Tonica Bates of Grand Blanc, MI, and Vicki Reo and Michelle (Chris) Klotz, both of Hillman; 12 grandchildren; 2 great grandchildren-with one on the way; and a brother, Wayne (Shary) Bates of Centerville, TX. He was preceded in death by a son, Todd.
Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, March 26, 2008 at St Johns Lutheran Church, at 11:00 a.m., Pastor Jason Mandley officiating. Visitation hours will be held on Tuesday from 5-9 p.m. at the church.