Eric Thomas Bates' Obituary
Eric Thomas Bates Sr., affectionately known as “Rick”, was born August 4th, 1967, to Percy Bates and Latona Levi.
Rick accepted Christ as a child often attending service with his grandmother Lucille Green.
Growing up he received his education from Alameda and Sacramento County school districts.
Shortly after Rick met Andrea and they welcomed two children together: Eric T Bates ll, and Audrie Bates.
Rick loved drawing and using his hands he became a landscaper, property manager, and worked as a plumber.
As the years progressed, he loved collecting and restoring vintage vehicles.
Rick later met and married Shakia Green Bates and they welcomed two children together: Malachi Jones and Cameron Bates.
He was very intelligent and extremely kind-hearted; he loved to tell jokes and would bring laughter to any room. He truly appreciated life.
Rick found joy in loving and raising his kids.
He was an amazing Father, Grandfather, Husband, Son, Brother, Uncle, Nephew, Cousin, And Friend.
Rick is survived by his mother Latona Gatewood, stepfather Clarence Gatewood, Mother-in-law Luwana Craig, father-in-law Ronald Green, his children Eric Bates ll, Audrie Bates, Juwan Thurman, Malachi Jones, Cameron Bates, Shawanna Blakemore, Deshawn. Brother Lateef Burks. Aunts Ilexis Green, Suzanne Sanchez, Uncle's Peter and Martin Levi, Grandchildren Cirree Bates, Sy'ale Blakemore, Cousin Damon Branum, and a host of family and friends.
Rick departed this life on December 5th, 2024. Greeting him at the Gates of Heaven was his wife Shakia
Bates, Father Percy Bates, Grandmother Lucille Green, Grandfather Kurt Levi, Brothers Dennis Lyons, Maurice Williams, Josiah Price. Aunts Gazella Levi, Deedra Walker, Sharon Walker, Nephew James Burks. Cousin Phillip Carter. Rick was very much loved and will be missed by us all.
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