Bruce R. Bates

Bruce R. Bates, 55, of Mount Perry, died, Monday, January 25, 2021, in Concord, NC. He was born Wednesday, July 21, 1965, in Zanesville, the son of Fred H. Bates and Carol (Porter) Bates. He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Tamara "Tammy" (Hankinson) Bates who he married on Sunday, July 28, 1985. Bruce served in the United States Marine Corps and was a manager starting on his 15th season with Champion Tire and Wheel of Cornelius, NC. He was an avid hunter and was a member of the American Legion Post #29; Jackson Masonic Lodge #85 F&AM in Brownsville, Loyal Order of Moose and a lifetime member of the NRA. In addition to his wife and parents, Bruce is survived by one son, Robert “Bo” (Maddy Elliot) Bates; grandson and hunting buddy, Dakota Joseph-Bates; grandson, Hudson Bates; one special niece, Taylor Murvine; special uncles, William “Bill” Porter and John Dallner; special cousin, Dan (Karrie) Dallner, his father-in-law, Robert Hankinson; several aunts, uncles, brother and sister-in-laws, cousins, nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews and a host of family and friends at Champion Tire and Wheel and throughout NASCAR and local communities. Bruce was preceded in death by maternal grandparents, Robert and Mary Porter; Aunt, Sandy Dallner; two sisters, Brenda Bates and Amber Bates Murvine and mother-in-law, Beverly Hankinson. Friends may call from 4 to 7 PM on Monday, February 1, 2021, at the Hillis, Combs & Nestor Funeral Home, 935 Forest Avenue, Zanesville, where Jackson Lodge will conduct Masonic Funeral Rites at 6:45 PM. A funeral service will be held 11:00 AM on Tuesday, February 2, 2021, at North Terrace Church of Christ, 1420 Brandywine Blvd., Zanesville, with Troy Schooley officiating. The United States Marine Corp, VFW Post 1058 and American Legion Post 29 will conduct full military honors. Due to current health concerns all are required to wear masks and social distancing will be followed. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to West Muskingum Athletic Boosters, 150 Kimes Road, Zanesville, Ohio 43701 or the National Trail Volunteer Fire Department, PO Box 165, Gratiot, Ohio, 43740 in Bruce’s memory. To sign the online register book or to send a personal condolence note please visit www.hilliscombsnestor.com.

Bruce R. Bates

July 21, 1965 - January 25, 2021