Johnny Ross Bates, age 64, of Abilene, passed away Tuesday, October 21, 2014, at Hendrick Medical Center.  Visitation will be held from 12 Noon until 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, October 23, 2014, at Stevens Funeral Home, 400 W. Pecan, Coleman,  with the graveside service at 2:00 p.m., at the Midway Cemetery, Coleman County, with John Pricer officiating.  Interment will follow in the Midway Cemetery under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home.

Johnny Ross Bates was born December 13, 1949 in Santa Anna, Texas, the son of Fred and Esther Bates.  He grew up in Santa Anna and attended school there.  On June 8, 1968, he married Wanda Mason and she preceded him in death on April 13, 2008.  He had lived in Abilene for 46 years and was a truck driver for a fuel company.  He was a Baptist.  He loved to fish.

Survivors include one daughter, Tammy Gutierrez of Abilene; one son, David R. Bates of Abilene; five grandchildren, Cory Gutierrez, Angel Gutierrez, Sonny Bates, Erin Bates and Reagan Bates; one great-grandchild, Tristan Gutierrez; two brothers, Alton Bates and wife Rosa Lou of Andrews, Carolyn Pricer and husband John of Crawford, Ronald Bates and wife Betty of Coleman.

He was preceded in death by his wife and a brother, Phillip Bates.

Please sign his online guestbook at www.livingmemorials.com.