Ronnie K. Bates

August 9, 1946 - April 7, 2020

Ronnie K. Bates, 73, passed away April 7, 2020, in Titusville, Florida. He was born August 9, 1946 to Ross and Millie Bates of Bartlesville and graduated College High School in 1964. He loved working on cars and went to work for Bill Doenges Ford from 1964 to 1971 as a mechanic, they sent him to school to work on Toyota when they came out and he was offered a job in Houston, TX at Southwest Toyota and moved in October of 1971 as their head mechanic. Ronnie loved the space program and moved to Florida in 1977 was still working on cars and his dream came true: he got the job at NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) he made Supervisor over the rocket boosters for the shuttle at Cape Canaveral, Florida. He had loved his job, family and friends. His best friend was Nick Billas, he was always there for him. Dad enjoyed bowling, chess, flea markets, metal detecting and garage sales. Ronnie is survived by his son Brad Bates of Cocoa, FL, and daughter Ronda Glades and family of Edmond, OK. His sister Lois Stephens and husband Ellis of Bartlesville, OK and a brother Harley Bates and wife Sheri of Bartlesville, OK. His grandchildren Skylar Bates of Rockledge, FL, Gavin Bates of Rockledge, FL, and numerous nieces and nephews. He’s preceded in death by his parents, four brothers Terry Bates, Bill Bates, Nick Bates, and Jack Bates. Dad, you’ll be greatly missed by all. Love you, Brad & kids Visitation for Ronnie will be held on Sunday 12-5 p.m. at the Davis Family Funeral Home – Dewey Chapel, 918-534-3030, 113 S. Osage (Hwy. 75), Dewey. Graveside services will be held 2 p.m. on Monday at the Spavinaw-Strang Cemetery, with Rev. J.D. Steelman officiating. Services are under the direction of Carter Davis and the Davis Family Funeral Home – Dewey Chapel. Online condolences and remembrances may be shared at www.DavisFamilyFuneralHome.com