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.
Condolences(25)
Shelia Ratledge
Thornton, CO Monday, May 4, 2020 Dear family and friends Danny and I were so sorry to learn about the loss of your daddy, grandpa, husband, brother etc, I know this is coming in late but please know we are thinking about you. Yall are in our daily prayers. Jana i am always available my number is listed on my f.b page if you don't still have it in your contacts or you can DM me anytime. Love yall Shelia and DannyJohn Connard
monticello, AR Thursday, April 30, 2020 Sorry for your loss.David Wilson
Monticello, AR Thursday, April 30, 2020 You will be missed my friend !!!!Tommy and Diane Ferrell
Monticello, AR Thursday, April 30, 2020 Linda and FamilyWe are sorry for your loss but know Ricky was not feeling well for a while. We pray that Jesus will comfort you during this time and bless you with sweet memories of your times together.
Raymond Wells
Wilmar, AR Thursday, April 30, 2020 RIP brother.......Tina Ferguson
MONTICELLO, AR Wednesday, April 29, 2020 We were sadden to hear of Richard's passing.We pray God wraps HIS loving arms of comfort around all during this most difficult time.
Ray and Tina Ferguson
Jody Gladden
Monticello, AR Wednesday, April 29, 2020 Linda, I am so sorry for your loss! I remember Rick in school always fun loving. Praying for you!Pat and Dale Avery
Monticello, AR Tuesday, April 28, 2020 PrayersEdward C. Hewitt
Hornbeck, LA Tuesday, April 28, 2020 May God bless you all during this time of loss.Lynn Burton
Monticello, AR Tuesday, April 28, 2020 My sincere condolences on your great loss. You and the family will be in my thoughts and prayers today and the coming days.Betty Russell
Lacey, AR Tuesday, April 28, 2020 Sorry for your loss, prayers for the family.James and Kathy Berry
Monticello, AR Tuesday, April 28, 2020 Linda and FamilyWe are so sorry for your loss. Prayers
Donna Golden Mathews
Dardanelle, AR Tuesday, April 28, 2020 Linda my heart goes out to you and your family. I am so glad I got to meet Ricky when I came to church in Dermott 4 years ago. I love you my friend and am here if you need anything.Sharon Perry Reynolds
, TX Tuesday, April 28, 2020 PrayersCharles F. Perry
Monticello, AR Tuesday, April 28, 2020 PrayersRay and Kathy Linder
Monticello, AR Tuesday, April 28, 2020 Linda, Jennifer, Jay, and all the rest of the family, we are so sorry for your loss. Losing a loved one during this time of pandemic is especially sorrowful and difficult. No hospital visits and social distancing are really difficult for all the family at a time like this when so many hugs are needed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Ray was looking forward to that turkey calling lesson from Ricky!Carla Harvieux
, MN Tuesday, April 28, 2020 I'm so very sorry for your loss and that I cannot be there to support you. Prayers for peace and healing.Linda Clark
Pea Ridge, AR Monday, April 27, 2020 So sorry about Richard. Thoughts and prayers with the family. Sorry I can't be with you all. Love you all.Mike and Sandra McManus
Monticello, AR Monday, April 27, 2020 We are so sorry to hear of Ricky’s passing. Mike had some good times working together with Ricky at GP.Danny and Brenda Adair
Warren, AR Monday, April 27, 2020 Linda, you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers today and the days ahead.Linda Ward
Dermott, AR Monday, April 27, 2020 we just want you to know how sorry Jerry and I are for your loss Just know we will be praying for you allGloria Ryburn
Monticello, AR Monday, April 27, 2020 Linda, I am so very sorry!! If I can be of any help please call me Love you, GloMarshall & Sheila Morgan
Dumas, AR Monday, April 27, 2020 We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.BARBARA NEWTON
Monticello, AR Monday, April 27, 2020 SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS, PRAYING FOR YOU, LINDA AND YOUR FAMILY.AT THIS DIFFICULT TIME.Gay Young
Wilmar, AR Monday, April 27, 2020 So sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers are with you and the family.