Obituary of Bobby Gene “Leroy” Bates

Bobby Gene “Leroy” Bates, age 82, of Brownfield, passed away on Saturday, September 25, 2021 at the Ray and Kay Eckstein Hospice Center in Paducah, KY.
He was born in Metropolis on May 17, 1939, to Douglas and Helen (Fowler) Bates. He graduated from Carrier Mills High School. Leroy, as he was affectionately known, volunteered as a little league coach for five years and scouting for 20 years. He was an animal lover, had a big heart, and was a giver. He retired from Caterpillar in 2001. He was a strong advocate of the 2nd Amendment.
Leroy is survived by one son, Douglas Bates and wife, Wanda of Lake In The Hills; two sisters, Susan Shephard of Brownfield, Sharon Orlowski of Hollywood, FL; grandson, Joshua Rodriguez; great-grandson, Omar Rodriguez; nieces and nephews, Carla (Ginger) Rumsey, Willis Edward Bates, Tana Sue Bates, Ginger LaCount, and Brian Orlowski.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Donna Carlene Dale; three brothers, Ray, Larry, and Steven.
Funeral services will be held 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 3, 2021, at Aly Funeral Home in Eddyville. Burial will follow the service at the Reevesville Cemetery. Visitation will be from 1:00 p.m. until time of service at the funeral home.
Memorials may be made to: NRA https://donate.nra.org/donate or Project Hope Humane Society, P.O. Box 125, Metropolis, IL 62960.
To leave a message for the family, visit alyfh.com.
Arrangements are under the care of Aly Funeral Home, Eddyville.

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