Ronnie Bates Sr

Ronnie Bates, known as "Fist" to many, was born June 3, 1962 to the late James and Josie Williams Bates. He was called from labor to reward on October 23, 2025. 

He was married to Sharon Bunny and to this union three children were born.

 At an early age Ronnie gave his life to Christ and joined the Piney Grove Missionary Baptist Church under the pastorate of the Rev. John Harris.

 Ronnie was a graduate of Thomasville High School, Class of 1980. He was a gifted Shade Tree Mechanic and was blessed with the ability to fix anything with a motor. Ronnie worked for the Thomas County Schools Janitorial Services and Gross Vault & Monument Company until his health began to fail. 

Ronnie leaves to cherish his memories his wife Sharon; children Ronnie Jr., Jessica, and Lorenzo Bates all of Thomasville, GA; siblings Jimmy (Renee) Bates of Winchester, VA and Vernita Bates Davis of Cairo, GA; 14 Grandchildren; Aunt Helen King of Windsor, CT; and a host of nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, cousins, family and friends. 

Ronnie held a special bond with his cousin Johnny Hadley. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Charles Bates, brother-in-law Carl Davis, grandparents Joe Williams, Roosevelt and Annie Mae King, and Freeman and Katie Bates.