Richard Jerome Bates
June 14, 1947 - April 27, 2020

Stephenson-Dearman Funeral Home 943 Highway 425 North Monticello, AR 71655 Map & Directions Private Family Graveside Service Centerpoint Cemetery South Cominto Road Drew County ,  AR 71655 Map & Directions   Centerpoint Cemetery South Cominto Road Drew County, AR 71655 Map & Directions

Richard Jerome "Ricky" Bates, age 72 of Rye, passed away Monday, April 27, 2020, at Jefferson Regional Medical Center in Pine Bluff, AR. He was born June 14, 1947, in Lonoke, AR to the late Clarence Richard Bates and Vester Simmons Bates.

He was a retired heavy equipment operator with Georgia Pacific in Crossett and a member of the Church of Christ. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by two brothers, Jimmy Bates and Roy Bates; and two sisters, Carolyn Avery and Debra Funderburg.

Survivors include his wife, Linda McClure Bates of Rye; one son, Richard Jay Bates and wife Jennifer of Monticello; two daughters, Jana White and husband Ben of Monticello and Jennifer Bates of Rye; nine grandchildren, Chase and wife Peyton, Hannah, Brianna, Anna, Jaci, Alexis, Samuel, Mary and Ricki; one brother, William Keith Bates and wife Lynn of Warren; two sisters, Patsy Thomas and husband Forrest of Pine Bluff and Lois Lytle of Monticello; and his beloved pet, Bo.

A private family graveside service will be held 3:00 p.m. Wednesday, April 29, 2020, in Centerpoint Cemetery with Paul Mowrer officiating. Online guestbook at www.stephensondearman.com.