Dec. 10, 1956 – June 16, 2017

NATCHEZ — Services for Charles Thomas Bates, 60, of Dallas, formerly of Natchez, who died Friday, June 16, 2017, in Dallas, will be 6 p.m. today at George F. West Sr. Memorial Chapel at West Gate Funeral Home.  

Arrangements are under the direction of West Gate Funeral Home.

Mr. Bates was born Dec. 10, 1956, in Natchez, the son of William Prater Sr. and Mattie L. Bates.

He was a 1976 graduate of South Natchez-Adams High School and was employed by Perkins Healthcare Technology as a test engineer.

Mr. Bates was a Christian and a member of the Brotherhood of the Cup. He enjoyed fishing and was an avid Star Trek fan.

Charles was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Debra Bates-Price; and one brother, William Prater Jr.

Survivors include his wife, Patrice Vivian-Bates; two sons, Christopher T. Bates and Eric E. Bates; three daughters, Taahira R. McCullough, Taayibah R. Vivian and Marquita T. Bates; five brothers, Walter Bates and wife, Brenda, the Rev. Eugene Prater and wife, Britta, Donald Bates and wife, Diane, Odell Prater and Robert Bates and wife, Connie; seven sisters, Geraldine Henderson and husband, James, Betty Prater, Dorothy Young and husband, Ernest, Ellen Washington, Gloria Grennell, Evelyn Jackson and husband, Ray, and Peggy Weathersby; and a number of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

Online condolences may be sent to westgatefh.com.