James Ronald Bates' Obituary
James Ronald Bates of Madison, TN entered this world on May 26, 1933, as the son of Beatrice Shepard.
“Ronnie” lived an amazing 88+ years and left us on May 2nd, 2022 after a hard fought battle with cancer surrounded by his family. He is preceded in death by his mother; his wife, Frances; his second wife, Helen; his brother Bob Shepard, and his great granddaughter, Kylee Ann Coffee.
He has 5 children, Belinda Coffee (Randall), Ronda Hall (Jack), James Bates (Kim), Janet Osborne (Greg), Joy Quillen (Donnie), 11 grandchildren, 22-1/2 great grandchildren and 2 great great grandchildren. Family was always very important to him.
Ronnie was a hard worker and owned his own successful carpet / flooring business for 42 years.
He very much enjoyed being outside … yard work, camping, hunting and a good yard sale.
He was a caregiver most of his life and never met a stranger. Ronnie was well-known by all for his wit, sense of humor and his laughter (especially his signature laugh). He was loved by all.
A visitation will be held on Wednesday, May 4th, 2022 from 3:00-8:00 PM at Spring Hill Funeral Home. A brief visitation period will be held on Thursday, May 5th, 2022 from 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM with a funeral service to commence at 12:00 PM at Spring Hill Funeral Home. Burial will take place afterwards at 2:00 PM at Woodlawn Memorial Park, 660 Thompson Lane, Nashville, TN 37204.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Spring Hill Funeral Home and Cemetery, "Where Nashville Comes to Remember."
What’s your fondest memory of James?
What’s a lesson you learned from James?
Share a story where James' kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with James you’ll never forget.
How did James make you smile?

