Lake Uran Bates

Lake Uran Bates Sr., beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and respected military veteran, passed away peacefully at the age of 83 on Sunday, March 16, 2025. He was born on June 17, 1941, in Suttle, Alabama, in Perry County, to Annie Bell (Oakes) Bates and Charlie Bates. Lake was the seventh of eight children and a cherished member of a large family.

Lake's early education took place in Perry County, where he attended Center Suttle School (1st-2nd grade) and East Perry School (3rd-9th grade). He graduated from Lincoln High School in Marion, Alabama, in 1959, and was baptized at Center Suttle Church, Perry County, Alabama. Even as a young man, he exhibited a strong work ethic and a love for hard work. Every summer during high school, he worked diligently cutting grass at the golf course at Craig Field Air Force Base.

In 1962, Lake enlisted in the United States Air Force, where he served with distinction from September 14, 1962, to 1966. His military career took him to various places around the world, including Africa, where he honed his skills as an Aircraft Propeller Mechanic. Immediately following, he joined the Air Force Reserves and served for over 30 years at Selfridge Air Force Base in Michigan. Lake's commitment to learning and excellence extended beyond the military as he completed an Associate's Degree at Macomb Community College and an Automotive Associate's Degree at Michigan Career Institute, along with studying jet engine technology.

Following his military service, Lake pursued a successful career at U.S. Army Tank-Automotive & Armaments Command (TACOM) as a Weapon Systems Manager, where he worked until his retirement in 1996. After retiring to Alabama in 1997, Lake dedicated his free time to the things he loved, enjoying hobbies such as fishing, gardening, and he was a self-taught musician playing more than five instruments. For many years, he was an integral part of a Rhythm & Blues band, alongside his lifelong friends Nub, Bill, Bill, and Al from Michigan.

Lake was a man of many talents, known for his sharp intellect, articulate nature, and financial astuteness. He was not only a proud member of the military but also a loving and caring father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who always enjoyed spending time with family. His kindness, wisdom, and love for life made a lasting impression on everyone who knew him.

Lake was preceded in death by his parents, Annie Bell and Charlie Bates, and his siblings: Willie Bates, Virginia Bates, Ollie Johnson, Charles Bates Jr., Lillie Mae Melton, and Alphonso Bates. He is survived by his sister, Leola Bates Wyatt. Lake was previously married to Lillie Ford Bates, with whom he shared two children, Tanya (Bates) Shock and Lake Bates Jr. He was later blessed with a third child, Tamika Bates (daughter of Diana Chaar). Lake's legacy is also carried on by his nine grandchildren: Ashley Porcaro, Daeshon Heard, Gabrielle Shock, Makayla Shock, and Talia Shock, children of Tanya Shock (Dr. CJ); De'Angelo Bates, son of Lake (Johanna) Bates Jr.; Sydney Guerrier, Devin Guerrier, and Morgan Guerrier, children of Tamika (Patrick) Bates-Guerrier. He also leaves behind three great-grandchildren: Neveah Staub, Giovanni Staub, and Dominic Staub, children of his granddaughter Ashley, along with a host of nieces and nephews.

Lake Uran Bates Sr. was a hardworking man known for his wisdom, strong work ethic, and great love for his friends and family. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered for his priceless advice, lectures, musical abilities, creative talents, and unwavering love for his family. May his soul rest in peace, and may his memory live on forever in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, March 20, 2025, at 4:00 p.m. in the chapel of Lawrence Brown-Service Funeral Home of Selma with Rev. Lionel Melton officiating. The family will begin receiving friends for visitation beginning at 3:00 p.m., prior to the service. He will be laid to rest at Alabama National Cemetery with full military honors at a private service held at a later date.

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