Brady Nelson (Brad) Bates, 75, of Petersburg, Tennessee, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, July 15, 2023.

He was born to Era Nell Chamblee Bates and Alton Brady Bates on Dec. 11, 1947, in Fayetteville, Tennessee. As a young man, he joined the Air Force and served his country in Vietnam. After leaving the Air Force, he worked in loss prevention and security investigations. He later retired to Petersburg, Tennessee.

Brad is survived by his wife, April Bates and his children, Alan Bates of Bloomington, Illinois, Kara Bates of Long Beach, California, Nathan (Amanda) Bates and Justin Bates both of Phoenix, Arizona; stepchildren, Jason Slanina of Tacoma Washington, Shannon Slanina of Phoenix, Arizona, and Brianna Rose Nairn of Lynchburg, Tennessee. His grandchildren are Jade and Gannon Bates of Bloomington, Illinois, and Liam Randazzo-Bates of Phoenix, Arizona. He is also survived by his sister, Janice Towry Meridith and his nephew, Chris Towry of Fayetteville, Tennessee.

He was a supportive husband, father, and friend. He enjoyed watching all types of sports, and volunteered as a coach and baseball umpire in his free time. In his later years he especially enjoyed Tennessee thunderstorms, watching birds and animals, sitting on his porch with friends and listening to rain falling.

A private memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to your favorite charity