Mr. Roderick "Pete" Bates, age 86 of Bremen, passed away Tuesday, December 21, 2021, in a local hospital.  Born in Tallapoosa, GA, on September 17, 1935, he was the son of the late Clara Clark Williams..  Pete is preceded in death by his mother and a brother, Keith Williams.

In 1954, Pete graduated Tallapoosa High School. From 1958 until 1960, he was enlisted in the US Army where he was positioned as a member of  the military police. Pete then found a dream job working at Ford Motor Company..  He was Head of the Security, Fire, and Safety Division for the Ford Hapeville plant, from which he retired after more than 30 years of dedicated service.  He and the love of his life, Tiny, spent more than 60 years together.  They enjoyed traveling together, visiting Hawaii on multiple occasions, touring historic sites in England, and  thoroughly enjoyed numerous cruises.  He always enjoyed vacationing on the Florida beaches with family and friends.  Pete was an avid fisherman winning many tournaments. He was a huge fan of Alabama football.  He was a voracious reader, often finishing a book a day.  Pete also loved being around his friends. He was a member of the Elderly Gentlemen's Table at Hardee's and continued to keep up with his friends even during the pandemic.  He had two extra special friends, Rip Abney and Paul Roberts,  with whom he talked daily.  Pete was a long-time member of the First Baptist Church of Bremen.

Left to cherish his memories are his wife, Tiny Bates; son Gregory Bates; two brothers and sisters-in-law, Anthony and Audrey Williams of Tallapoosa, and Randy and Sonya Williams of Baxley, GA; and bonus brother, Terry Shealy and his wife Jane..

A Celebration of Life for Mr. Bates will be held at 3:00 PM Wednesday, December 29, 2021, from Hutcheson's Memorial Chapel with Brother Herman Parker officiating.  Music will be provided by Rev. Ricky Shirley and Pat Sailors.

The family requests that all attending the service wear masks.  Also, the family requests potted plants in lieu of floral arrangements.

Hutcheson's Memorial Chapel & Crematory of Buchanan is honored to serve the Bates family.