TR served in the army during the Korean War. His unit was the 8063rd Mobile Army Surgical Hospital (MASH unit). After his tour of duty was complete, he came back stateside, married Helen and worked at The Arsenal in Pine Bluff, AR. He was later transferred with civil service to the Holloman Air Force Base in Alamogordo, New Mexico. He and Helen then moved to California, and he worked for Aerospace Corporation for 8 years where he guarded the blueprints and plans for the rocket that carried the first American astronaut into outer space. He loved to tell the story of the rocket launching into outer space with Alan Shepard (the first American in outer space). He was present as this launch was televised for all the world to see and he stood behind the camera and watched in on the television announcer's monitor. They moved back to Monticello, Arkansas in 1968 where he worked at Burlington Industries until his retirement in 1990 and was a cattle farmer well into his 80's (with a few chicken, sheep, pigs and horses along the way). He and his wife Helen were co-owners of Town and Country Florist.
TR became an ordained deacon at Pauline Missionary Baptist Church in 1991. He was always willing to help anyone in his little community of Montongo. He was the unofficial veterinarian of the community, always having a shot of penicillin for a sick cow or dog. He and his brother, Elvin, raised and managed a cattle farm. TR never met a stranger. TR's greatest joy was his family, especially his grandchildren and great grandchildren. A ballgame or event was never missed as long as his health allowed him to attend. His favorite place to eat was Ray's and everyone in town knew it because he was there most days with Martha eating lunch.
TR was an avid storyteller and loved to tell stories of his childhood, the Korean War and his different career path experiences. He enjoyed genealogy and had traced his family back for numerous generations. Pouring over old records in the Court House basement was on his list of favorite things to do. TR and Denise were honored to take the Southwest Airlines Honor Flight for veterans to Washington DC in November 2018. A memory they always cherished. TR is preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Helen Mitchell Bates; his infant son, Keith Randall Bates; his brothers, Marion, Elvin, Alvin and Geral; his sisters, Hattie Mae Bates Reynolds and Sally Bates Battle.
He is survived by his wife, Martha Riggins Etheridge Bates; his daughters, Denise Bates McClain and Theresa (David) Horton; a son, Cederic (Melissa) Etheridge; granddaughters, Chloe (Brian) Dale, Carly McClain, Megan Altman, Lindsay (Matt) Henry, Phillip Etheridge, Haley (Aaron) Tyler, Paige (Derrick) Presser, and Emily (Ethan) McSpadden; his sisters, Cattie Mae Bates Lemley and Louise Bates Robinson; great grandchildren, Brady Dale, Sadie Dale, Laythan Cash, Corrine Henry, James David Henry, Kensley Tyler, Finn Tyler, Claire Tyler, Drew Presser, Ivy Kate Presser, Wrenley McSpadden and memory of Knewt McSpadden; as well as a host of beloved nieces, nephews, family members and friends.
Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, July 22, 2026, at Pauline Missionary Baptist Church with Rev. Rob Leonard officiating. There will be a visitation Tuesday evening from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Stephenson-Dearman Funeral Home. Burial will be in Mt. Zion Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers are his nephews, Dale Bates, Donald Lemley, David Reynolds, Lamar Reynolds, Glenn Reynolds, Dan Reynolds, Tim Robinson, and Greg Robinson. Honorary pallbearers are the deacons of Pauline Missionary Baptist Church. The family wishes to extend heartfelt thanks and gratitude to the staff of Dalton's Place and Belle View Estates for loving and caring for T.R.
Condolences(9)
jamie Gillum
Pine bluff, AR Tuesday, July 21, 2026 So sad to her of your precious dads passing. My prayers for you Densie.James and Kayhy Berry
Monticello, AR Tuesday, July 21, 2026 I have been gathering my thoughts all day about my Uncle T.R. Who is only 13 years older than I.First of all he was a man that loved and honored God with all his heart and his life showed it. He was a person that loved his fellow man and would always do for others.
One thing he did for James and I the night we married. As we were leaving Uncle T.R. Put some money in my hand and said we thought ya’ll could use this on your trip. Our trip was To Little Rock. He was so thoughtful of others.
When our parents were at their last days Uncle T.R. And Martha were in and out to see what they could do. Always doing for others.
Uncle T.R. Was little brother to my dad Elvin and Daddy was big brother to Uncle T.R. Our Mother Roberta Bates loved him dearly as with us 4 Bates sisters
Sharon Shook McIntyre
Monticello, AR Tuesday, July 21, 2026 Family of TR,I am sad to hear of TR's passing, but knowing him the biggest part of my life, I know the Lord was happy to receive him and he is rejoicing in Heaven with all of his family and friends who preceded him to glory.
Please know that each of you are in my thoughts and prayers. TR was truly one of the nicest, kindest, most devout Christians I was given the blessing of calling him my friend.
In Christian Sincerity,
Sharon
Wilson Family
, Tuesday, July 21, 2026 Praying for the family. Kenny, Mellissa, Justin, and KerrieFaye
Monticello, AR Monday, July 20, 2026 There is so much I can write about uncle T.R., but first of all he was my daddy’s little brother who eventually grew taller than daddy. As far back as I can remember the Bates children and families had a yearly reunion and I think it was timed to Uncle T.R. and Aunt Sallie coming home from California and Texas. We always looked forward to seeing him and Aunt Helen and their big shiny car. When Denise was born I didn’t know he could smile that big. I have always thought he was humble and just a good man who never swayed from his beliefs. He accepted growing older and told me the injury from falling was just part of it, like that was to be expected, no big deal. I loved him so dearly and am so grateful for his life well lived. Denise I know your heart is broken and I know you will have moments of wishing you could ask one more question or get one more hug. Find comfort in knowing he had a great long life with so much love for you and your family. Love to all, Faye and family.Gary Newton
Monticello, AR Monday, July 20, 2026 Denise…..Brenda and I extend our sincere condolences at the loss of your dad. We rejoice only in knowing us now with his Lord and Savior.Chuck & Cyndi Rowlett
Cave City, AR Monday, July 20, 2026 So sorry for your loss Cederic and family . We are praying for you all during this difficult time .Rabb Kathy
Monticello, AR Monday, July 20, 2026 I never directly worked as an employee in a department TR was shift supervisor at Burlington Rug Mill but I knew from that time, way back, and later as a customer at Western Sizzlin. I knew he was a nice person. In any situation, no matter where or when, he had a ready smile. I couldn’t help but notice he always had a twinkle in his eyes, like he secretly knew where unicorns or tiny fairies lived. Or that he could see Jesus walking beside me. I never heard him say one bad word, gossip, or be flirtatious. If there ever needed to have the word “gentleman” defined, all one would have to say is TR Bates.I know that ALL of who he was will be greatly missed. I pray you remember his twinkle and know he is waiting joyfully in heaven for everyone touched by his life.
Zach
Crossett, AR Monday, July 20, 2026 My sincere condolences to your family during this difficult time.